Consumer Affairs & Relations

Whirlpool Corporation plans to bring Maytag brand appliances back to all U.S. Best Buy stores and online at www.bestbuy.com in May 2007.

To reinforce its leadership in nutrition, Nestle agrees to acquire Gerber, the iconic U.S. baby food brand, from Novartis for $5.5 billion.

Reebok International Ltd. files a lawsuit against Nike Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, claiming Nike infringed on a patent arising from Reebok's collapsible shoe technology.

VF Corporation completes the sale of its global intimate apparel business to Fruit of the Loom Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Proceeds of the sale will consist of the previously disclosed $350 million purchase price, plus adjustment for working capital changes.

Focus on this issue results in new discipline of solution

To maximize shareowner value, Cadbury Schweppes is evaluating options for the intended separation of its confectionery and Americas Beverages businesses.

I was fortunate to meet with, interview and even "hang out" with some excellent business leaders over past month.

Nick Hahn, director of corporate brands for The Kroger Co., will be inducted into the Private Label Hall of Fame this month for his leadership in the private label industry and for his role in helping to shape Kroger's corporate brands strategy.