Industrials

General Mills said it would cut some 850 jobs and implement other cost savings in an effort to better tackle rising commodity costs.

Glencore has taken majority control of its fast-growing copper operation in Congo with deals worth $480 million.

PepsiCo was upgraded to outperform from underperform by CLSA, as it saw chances for a break-up improve following news that activist investor Ralph Whitworth snagged a stake in the soda and snacks giant.

The world's largest farm equipment maker, Deere reported higher quarterly earnings that topped estimates and lifted its full-year outlook.

Pepsi lifted its annual dividend by 9 cents a share on Wednesday just days after reporting a stronger-than-expected first-quarter profit.

Eaton will buy electrical equipment supplier Cooper Industries for $11.8 billion to grow its power business and further expand its global reach.

Tyson Foods posted a stronger second-quarter profit Monday that beat Wall Street expectations and said it expects to gain momentum heading into the second half of fiscal 2012.

Conglomerate ITT disclosed a 98% plunge in first-quarter earnings due to spinoff costs, but the company’s adjusted profits easily surpassed Wall Street’s expectations.

Sara Lee reported a worse-than-expected decline in quarterly profit on Thursday, as earnings across its business segments declined despite sales growth.

The makers of Post-Its and labels remain dedicated to striking a deal despite antitrust concerns. 

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday charged Tyco International with violating an anti-foreign bribery law.

A major port strike has been averted, at least until Dec. 30.

The specialty vehicle maker anticipates doubling earnings over the next three years.

The steel producer warned it will take a $29 million charge in the third quarter.  

Hit by slipping demand for pork, meat producer Smithfield Foods posted a deeper-than-expected 25% tumble in fiscal first-quarter earnings.

Dow Chemical is forming a new global business structure that will include an array of business presidents each responsible for improving earnings in their respective markets.

Blackstone Group inked a deal on Wednesday to buy home automation provider Vivint for $2 billion.

Private-equity giant Carlyle Group continued its torrent buyout pace on Thursday, scooping up DuPont’s car paint business for $4.9 billion.

Isaac weakened to a tropical storm Wednesday afternoon and a gradual weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours as it continues to move farther inland, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in its latest bulletin.

While Joy Global said there is evidence showing that both the U.S. and China markets have bottomed, the company said it anticipates a sluggish recovery.