Mergers & Acquisitions

SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company intend to combine the U.S. and Puerto Rico operations of their respective subsidiaries, Miller and Coors, in a joint venture to create a stronger, brand-led U.S. brewer with the scale, resources and distribution platform to compete more effectively in the increasingly competitive U.S. marketplace.

SAP announced this week that it will acquire Business Objects for $6.8 billion.

Nike Inc. announces that Jill Stanton, vice president, Apparel for Nike's U.S. region, is named vice president of Global Apparel for the Nike brand.

Energizer Holdings Inc. completes its acquisition of Playtex Products Inc. for $18.30 per share in cash plus the assumption of Playtex's debt.

The Hershey Company announces that David J. West has been named president, chief executive officer and director of the company.

Kraft Foods Inc. agrees to sell its Fruit2O water and Veryfine juice brands and related assets to Sunny Delight Beverages Co.

Liz Claiborne Inc. and Li & Fung USA, a member of Li&Fung Limited, reached an agreement for the sale of the assets of four of Liz Claiborne Inc.'s brands under strategic review -- Emma James, Intuitions, JH Collectibles and Tapemeasure.

It's been about a year since Tesco PLC announced it would enter the United States some time in 2007, and since then there has been much speculation as to how consumer goods companies and retailers will react.