International Business

The strategic acquisition is expected to strengthen Hitachi's ability to deliver a complete range of strategy, implementation and technology services for businesses across the globe.

Spectrum Brands acquisition of HHI also includes certain assets of Tong Lung Metal Industry Co. Ltd., a Taiwanese manufacturer of residential and commercial locksets with facilities in Taiwan and the Philippines.

Located in Twin Falls, Idaho, Chobani has invested $450 million to build this one-million-square-foot operation in less than 11 months. The company's presence in Idaho has already served as a catalyst for hundreds of new jobs and a significant positive economic impact in the region.

For the first time in a long time, this year's listing of the top 100 public consumer goods companies tells more good news than bad. The majority of companies realized modest revenue growth despite ongoing economic challenges; and some categories, like Food and Apparel, posted sales gains across the board. Read on to find out how your company, your partners and/or your competitors performed by comparison.

Apparently, beauty is everything; at least to these companies and their loyal consumers. This market posted growth across the board with innovative health and beauty products and business strategies.

Some things are simply out of our control. Find out how the earthquake that hit Japan literally shook the Tobacco market in 2011.

The Apparel, Footwear and Accessories market is alive and well thanks to increased consumer spending in 2011. Plus, find out which companies hopped on the list when mainstays, like Liz Claiborne, made an exit.

Last year, Stanley Black & Decker proved to be the runaway hit with greater than 100 percent growth. This year, the playing field has evened out.