Analysis: China faces its “Sputnik” moment as US export curbs deal a blow to its chip ambitions

U.S. export restrictions on chip equipment to China are likely to lead to its “Sputnik” moment, prompting Chinese chipmakers to try creative engineering solutions and chart their own course even if it may not succeed commercially in the longer term, experts said.
Australia’s NAB to buy Citi’s local consumer business in $882 mln deal

National Australia Bank (NAB.AX) will buy Citigroup’s (C.N) local consumer unit for about $882.24 million, the companies said Monday, as the American bank exits the region while buy-now, pay-later rivals challenge the old credit card business model.
Chicken producer Sanderson Farms nears $4.5 bln sale to Continental Grain, Cargill – WSJ

Chicken producer Sanderson Farms Inc (SAFM.O) is in advanced talks with Cargill Inc and agricultural investment firm Continental Grain Co to sell itself in a $4.5 billion deal, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
Italy’s Treasury under siege over Monte dei Paschi deal

Italy’s Treasury is under fire from ruling parties seeking guarantees for Monte dei Paschi’s employees and Siena’s local economy, after the ministry entered exclusive talks to sell the ailing Tuscan bank to UniCredit.
Nestle and Starbucks extend partnership to ready-to-drink coffee

Food giant Nestle (NESN.S) and U.S. coffee chain Starbucks (SBUX.O) are extending their partnership to launch ready-to-drink coffee beverages in markets across Southeast Asia, Oceania and Latin America, the two partners said.
Bill Ackman rejigs Universal deal after regulators probe SPAC plan

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman will buy up to 10% of Vivendi’s (VIV.PA) Universal Music Group through his main hedge fund, rather than a special purpose acquisition company, after investors and regulators questioned his use of a SPAC.
Musk defends timing of Tesla’s $2.6 bln deal for SolarCity

Elon Musk told a judge on Tuesday Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) had to buy SolarCity in 2016 because the failing solar panel company was essential to the electric vehicle maker’s long-term goal of accelerating the transition to sustainable energy.
Novo Nordisk to buy Prothena’s heart drug in deal worth up to $1.2 bln

July 12 (Reuters) – Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO) will acquire U.S. drug developer Prothena Corp’s (PRTA.O) experimental heart therapy, PRX004, in a deal that could be worth up to $1.23 billion, the companies said on Monday. The acquisition is in line with Novo’s strategy to diversify its core insulin portfolio that has been facing tough competition, prompting it […]
After U.S. push, EU pauses tax plan, but Ireland sticks to its guns

The European Union has agreed to delay a corporate tax plan for the bloc following pressure from the U.S. administration and in a bid to facilitate a broader global tax deal, but EU member Ireland reiterated its criticisms of the wider reform.
Yellen’s next test: Persuading G20 that U.S. Congress will not block tax deal

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was able to help corral 130 countries to agree to a major revamp of international corporate taxation, but showing them she can bring a deeply divided U.S. Congress on board may prove equally challenging.