BUSINESS BRIEFS
GM stiffens on joining alliance
Advertiser Staff and News Services
PARIS — General Motors toughened its public stance on proposals that the U.S. carmaker join an alliance with Renault and its sister company, Nissan, adding to uncertainties weighing on the industry as the Paris Motor Show opens its doors today.
For the first time, Detroit-based GM said clearly that it was unhappy with the plan on the table, as Chief Executive Rick Wagoner met for talks with Renault and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn on the eve of the show. GM sees a smaller payoff for its own shareholders than for those of Renault and Nissan, spokesman Brian Akre said, and is seeking compensation for that imbalance as part of any deal.
INVESTIGATORS FOR HP SUBPOENAED
WASHINGTON — Five private investigators who allegedly served as the foot soldiers in Hewlett-Packard's efforts to identify the source of a boardroom leak have been ordered to testify at today's congressional hearing on the affair.
The subpoenas, announced yesterday, were the second batch issued by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The private eyes are believed to have masqueraded as journalists, HP directors and employees to obtain their phone records. Last weekend, two HP employees and the operator of a detective firm were ordered to appear.
NEW RULES HELP AIRPORT RETAILERS
ATLANTA — Airport retailers whose profits were squeezed by airline carry-on restrictions imposed last month are scrambling to stock up on travel-size toiletries permitted under new guidelines.
They are selling more beverages and liquid souvenirs and even handing out the zip-top plastic bags that those items must be carried in, under the government's decision to relax its ban of liquids and gels carried on flights. The guidelines will bring a "boost" to the industry, said Michael Payne, executive director of the International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores.
