| EBay results bolstered by newer businesses
NEW YORK: EBay posted better-than-expected profit in the first quarter as several of its newer businesses compensated for disappointing results in its mainstay auction service. The faster-growing units include shopping.com, a price comparison site; some classified listing sites; a service to let online merchants accept credit cards; and Skype, the online voice chat service. "We are on track with our well-crafted portfolio," Meg Whitman, eBay's chief executive, said in an interview after the earnings report Wednesday. The results sent eBay's stock up about 3 percent in after-hours trading. Overall, the company earned $377 million in the first quarter, up 52 percent from a year earlier. Excluding charges related to stock-based compensation and some other items, the company earned 33 cents a share, above the 29 cents that analysts had predicted.
Bidding war for Coles takes shape
THE Coles board has agreed to hasten the retailer's sale in a bid to appease its latest suitor, Wesfarmers, but is not rebuffing original bidder Kohlberg Kravis Roberts as the biggest takeover in Australian corporate history accelerates. Wesfarmers, which last night detailed its $19.7 billion proposal to buy all of Coles, is expected to be invited into a data room as early as next week to examine the retailer's books. Coles' decision came after Wesfarmers managing director Richard Goyder met Coles chairman Rick Allert in Melbourne yesterday morning. Mr Goyder, who flew into Melbourne late on Monday evening, has been seriously considering acquiring Coles for the past two months. The KKR consortium, which had two bids rejected by the Coles board last year, continues to consider an acquisition of Coles and held discussions with the retailer yesterday.
Nevada Auction Firm President Facing Criminal Theft Charges
The head of an auction firm advertising itself as Nevada's largest is facing criminal charges in the theft of cars, guns, jewelry, televisions, clothing and other items. Court records show that Premier Estate Auctions president Kelly Sue Jackson is due in Las Vegas Justice Court on June 28th on burglary and grand larceny charges. Attempts to locate Jackson were unsuccessful. Company telephones have been disconnected. Her lawyer declined comment. The Nevada state Consumer Affairs division says it's got at least eight customer complaints against Premier Estate Auctions. Court documents show that at least three other people have filed civil complaints against Jackson and Premier Estate Auctions for not repaying loans, breach of contract or fraud.
Chicken dinner to benefit Alzheimer's Association
A fried-chicken dinner, and both a silent and live auction will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m. for dinner, with the live auction beginning at 7:30 p.m., on April 27 at the Eagles Club, Missouri Blvd.
Adult dinner tickets are $10, children 5-11 years old are $5 and children under five are free.The silent auction will end at 7 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 7:30 p.m., with Steve Loethen as auctioneer.For more information or to get tickets, call Kay Niemeier at 893-4150 or Judi Hasler at 635-1287. All money raised stays in the local Alzheimer's Association for respite care and educational seminars.
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