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News Corp. OKs poison pill, buyback before split

News Corp. said its board of directors has approved plans to split its entertainment and publishing businesses into two separate companies. The company also adopted a shareholder-rights plan designed to prevent a hostile takeover in the volatile trading period after the split is complete.

Trustee opposes $20M payout to American Air CEO

The Justice Department is objecting to a proposed $20 million severance payment for American Airlines CEO Tom Horton, saying it’s bigger than allowed by bankruptcy law.

IMF chief named key witness in French payoff case

After two days of intense questioning from French magistrates, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said Friday a court named her as a key witness in an investigation into a controversial payoff to an outspoken businessman that was arranged while she was France’s finance minister — stopping short of charging her outright.

Pharmaceutical co. ISTA pleads in NY federal case

ISTA Pharmaceuticals Inc. pleaded guilty on Friday in a federal case involving its eye drug Xibrom, admitting it promoted the drug for unapproved uses and agreeing to pay $33.5 million in fines and fees.

McDonald’s can’t shake criticism about nutrition

McDonald’s once again faced criticism that it’s a purveyor of junk food that markets to children at its annual shareholder meeting Thursday — including some sharp remarks from a 9-year-old girl.

Koster reaches settlement with defunct medical spa, owner

Skin Rx MedSpa & Laser Center accused of failing to perform purchased services

Attorney General Chris Koster announced Thursday the state reached a settlement with Skin Rx LLC and its owner, Laura Rackers, over accusations the company took money for services it didn’t perform.

House backs variable rate student loans

Dismissing a veto threat from President Barack Obama, lawmakers in the House passed legislation that links student loan rates to the ups and downs of the financial markets in a vote largely along party lines.

Gap back in style as 1Q profit jumps 43 percent

After years of struggle, Gap is back in style.

Ralph Lauren’s 4Q profit rises 35 pct

Ralph Lauren Corp. reported a 35 percent increase in fourth-quarter profit as the luxury retailer benefited from lower cotton prices and cost controls.

Procter & Gamble brings back A.G. Lafley as CEO

Household products giant Procter & Gamble Co. is hoping its former CEO can work his magic once again.

Campbell buying Plum Organics baby food maker

Campbell Soup said it’s buying Plum Organics, which makes food for babies and kids, for an undisclosed amount as it looks to move into faster-growing categories.

On top of big salaries, companies pile on perks

Wynn Resorts pays for founder and CEO Steve Wynn’s residence at its tony Las Vegas hotel and casino at a cost of nearly $452,000.

Tesla uses stock, note sale to repay government

Tesla Motors, which makes a highly acclaimed $70,000 electric car, has paid off a startup loan from the U.S. government nine years early.

Vt gov signs novel law against false patent claims

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin signed into law Wednesday a novel measure aimed at protecting companies from so-called patent trolling, the practice of making deceptive claims of patent infringement in the hopes of collecting licensing or settlement money.

Survey shows China manufacturing contracting

A survey shows China’s manufacturing contracted this month, adding to signs a fragile economic recovery is slowing.