Empty Chair Emphasizes Nobel Schism

Merkel, Sarkozy Repeat 'Total Determination' to Defend Euro

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel repeated their "total" commitment to defending the euro and the region's financial stability.

Irish Lawmakers to Vote on Aid

Ireland's prime minister said he will put the country's €67.5 billion financial aid package to a parliamentary vote, saying that it will force opposition parties to support the package or offer alternatives.

• Euro Softens After Ireland Downgrade

Gjensidige in $1.66 Billion IPO

Norwegian insurer Gjensidige Forsikring said it has completed the initial public offering of 36.3% of its total capital, raising $1.66 billion for owner Gjensidige Foundation.

Glencore Enters Brazilian Sugar Market

Commodities giant Glencore International has made its first foray into the sugar sector in a move designed to tap into Brazil's forecast dominance of the market.

Kuwait Offers to Invest $794.6 Million in Areva

Kuwait's sovereign wealth fund offered to invest $794.6 million in French state-controlled nuclear firm Areva in return for a 4.8% stake in the company, part of a capital increase that also will include the French government.

ECB in Deficit Peril Warning

The ECB warned governments that they risked unleashing an "unsustainable debt spiral" in the financial markets if they failed to follow through on their pledges to cut budget deficits.

• Text of the ECB Financial Stability Review
• Central Bank Watch

Apax's ISS Talks Suggest Buyouts Revival

Private-equity firm Apax Partners has entered into exclusive talks with EQT and Goldman Sachs over the sale of Danish cleaning giant ISS Holding, suggesting that big-ticket leveraged buyouts could be returning to Europe..

BOE Holds Rates Steady

University Challenge for U.K. Coalition

Diageo in Talks to Buy Spirits Maker

PPR Looks to Sell Conforama

Bayer Unit Ramps Up China Sales

Court Says eBay Sales of L'Oréal Samples Breach Trademark

ASML Boosted by Smartphone Demand

Hedge-Fund Vehicles Face Test

Biofuels Get Test at Danish Pumps

LCD Firms Fined for Price Fixing

German Exports Decline

J&J; Launches Bid for Crucell

Nobel Fracas Plays Into Silicon Takeover

EU Seeks Limits on Commodity Trading