Inferno in Texas

Bei einer schweren Explosion in einer Düngemittelfabrik in Texas hat es mehrere Tote gegeben. Nach vorläufigen Angaben der Polizei kamen fünf bis 15 Menschen ums Leben, über 160 Menschen seien verletzt worden. Ein Sprecher der örtlichen Behörde für öffentliche Sicherheit sagte, die Zahl der Toten könne "jede Minute steigen". Die Explosion nahe der Stadt Waco in dem US-Bundestaat war so heftig, dass Gebäude unweit der Fabrik einstürzten oder in Brand gerieten.

Report: Icahn may bid for computer maker Dell

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that billionaire investor Carl Icahn has joined the list of possible bidders for computer maker Dell.

WSJ.com says Icahn and the Blackstone Group, "each notified a special committee of Dell's board that they are working on firm bids for the computer maker, which will afford them four more days to put together offers, people familiar with the matter said."

Blackstone's interest was reported Friday.

Icahn had opposed the buyout, saying it undervalues the company. He suggested earlier this month that Dell instead pay a special $9-a-share dividend to stockholders.

Dell's board of directors set a 5-day deadline, ended Friday, for a potential bid that tops the $24.4 billion buyout offer from a group of investors that includes CEO Michael Dell.

Before Icahn's name surfaced, the Associated Press said deep pocketed Blackstone Group could be the most likely candidate to outbid Dell. The initial buyout deal from the group led by CEO Michael Dell has been met with opposition from shareholders, including Southeastern Asset Management, Dell's second largest shareholder.

Michael Dell, backed by other investors led by investment firm Silver Lake, is trying to buy out the company for $13.65 per share.

FAA will close 149 airport towers on heels of sequester

The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it would shutter 149 airport control towers early next month, including six in Maryland and Virginia.

The announcement, which affects mostly small airports, follows the mandatory federal spending cuts that went into effect earlier this month.

corporate finance news

BNP Paribas appoints new co-head for corporate finance

MUMBAI: BNP Paribas India today appointed Jwalant Nanavati as co-head of its corporate finance business.

Nanavati will be based in Mumbai and report to Ganeshan Murugaiyan, BNP Paribas India head of investment banking and strategic coverage, the company said in a statement here.

hurricane sandy news

(http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo_atl.shtml)

Gulf investors to seal Leeds Utd deal 'very soon'

Dubai-based GFH Capital is set to complete a deal to take over "very soon" after proving it has the necessary funds to finance the deal, officials have said in a new statement.

The unit of Bahrain's Gulf Finance House, which has already provided £2m to the club with further funds available, said it was close to closing the transaction.

In a joint statement published on the club's official website, Leeds United chairman Ken Bates said: "It's been a long road but we are in a good place. Both sides have been in talks over the last few days to finalise this deal.

"We are keeping focused and hope to complete very soon"

David Haigh, deputy CEO, GFH Capital added: "With the money in place, we are poised to make this deal happen pending agreements and arrangements which are in the interests of the future of Leeds United - we need to make sure all the finer detail is addressed before trading signatures.

"Despite what has been said recently in media, both sides continue to talk regularly and continue to work hard to get the job done."

The statement also quoted Salem Patel, chief investment officer, GFH Capital as saying: "We understand there is some concern related to how Leeds United would be run under our stewardship.

"It remains important to be clear that Shari'ah law will not hinder this transaction nor will it affect the future operations of the club.

"Our intention is to provide investment which will facilitate a successful and sustainable future for Leeds United on and off the pitch."

Protracted negotiations between Leeds and GFH Capital are in their fifth month and have sparked frustration from fans.

When completed, the Leeds United deal will be the latest Gulf-based takeover, following the likes of Manchester City, French club Paris Saint-Germain and Championship side Nottingham Forest.