Novartis US Investment, BP Debts & Deal Issues
On this episode of Stock Movers:- Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis AG said it would invest $23 billion in the US over the next five years to ensure its key drugs for Americans are made in the country, news that comes as President Donald Trump has promised to impose tariffs on global drug makers.- - BP Plc said debts mounted in the first quarter, yet another setback for the UK energy major as it struggles to turn its finances around. Net debt climbed about $4 billion from the prior quarter, BP said Friday, citing an increase in working capital. It also reported lower upstream production and weak gas trading — disappointing for a company pivoting back toward its core fossil-fuel business.- When Reckitt Benckiser Group set out last year to sell a portfolio of homecare brands, including household names such as Air Wick and Cillit Bang, it drew a bevy of private equity suitors despite a hefty £6 billion ($7.7 billion) price tag. But a bid deadline this week saw potential buyers of the business, including Lone Star Funds and Advent International, balk at making binding offers and pitch valuations in a much lower range of £3 billion to £4 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.