The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals involving European and U.S. companies were reported by 0730 GMT on Thursday. ** Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has agreed to acquire Australian coal producer Excel Coal Ltd for about $1.34 billion. ... [full story]

The markets were languishing at the lower level throughout the day due to lack of buying interest in scrips. The Sensex closed at 10,767.97 down 152 points and the Nifty closed at 3156 down 41 points. The BSE Small Cap Index ... [full story]

Ray Martin: Be Aware Of Industry's Equivalent Of Credit Reports (CBS) Most consumers know that the credit bureaus maintain detailed information about their credit and loan activity. But did you know there is a report that includes detailed information about insurance ... [full story]

MACON, Ga., July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Tarras Thigpen, of Macon, was the honored recipient of the GEICO Volunteer Service Awards on Wednesday, July 5, at GEICO's headquarters in Washington, D.C., for the contributions she has made to the Macon community. Thigpen ... [full story]

PERSONAL FINANCE: Insurance firms line up new ULIPs to comply with new guidelines.    Life insurance companies have started rolling out new unit linked insurance plans (ULIPs) this week following new guidelines (effective from July 1) which were ... [full story]