Newstream.com Digest: Technology Helps Identify a Driver's Intent to Help Avoid Crashes, USDA Releases Organic Foods Guidelines and more free multimedia story packages for journalists
20 December 2000
Newstream.com Digest: Technology Helps Identify a Driver's Intent to Help Avoid Crashes, USDA Releases Organic Foods Guidelines and more free multimedia story packages for journalists
NEW YORK--Dec. 20, 2000--DIAGEO PLC AND PERNOD RICARD SA TO ACQUIRE SEAGRAM SPIRITS AND WINE
BUSINESS
Diageo plc and Pernod Ricard SA confirm that they have signed an agreement to acquire the spirits and wine business of The Seagram Company Ltd., for US$8.15 billion ((pound)5.5 billion) in cash on a debt free basis. The purchase consideration will be funded by Diageo and Pernod Ricard as to $5.0 billion by Diageo and as to $3.15 billion by Pernod Ricard. The agreement is principally conditional on clearance by the anti-trust regulatory authorities. Access the webcast here.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1644
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TECHNOLOGY HELPS IDENTIFY A DRIVER'S INTENT TO HELP AVOID CRASHES
The ever-increasing popularity of sport utility vehicles has one auto company making sure they are among the safest on the road. General Motors, one of the leaders in crash avoidance and vehicle safety, is equipping all their Cadillac Escalades with Stabilitrak, the first vehicle stability enhancement (VSE) system for a GM SUV.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1661
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USDA RELEASES ORGANIC FOODS GUIDELINES
After more than ten years in development, the USDA has released the final federal rules governing organic food and fiber production. The new federal regulations will standardize labeling, making it easier for consumers to identify organic products in the marketplace.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1648
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SINGING NUNS RAISE FUNDS FOR RETIRED RELIGIOUS
Sisters in Song, a choir comprised of eighty Catholic nuns from over 50 religious congregations in 28 states across the U.S., have just released their newest CD, Sisters in Song Rejoice!, a celebration of both contemporary and traditional spiritual music. The non-profit choir exists for one primary purpose - to help fund the retirement needs of men and women religious in the US, currently under-funded by a colossal $6.4 billion.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1662
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VISA INTERNATIONAL INTRODUCES SOUND AND ANIMATION TO PAYMENTS
In an industry first, Visa International has introduced a new animated logo with a unique sound designed to extend the company's brand in e-commerce, mobile commerce, and other emerging forms of payment beyond the point-of-sale. This newest brand expression extends the Visa brand in the emerging world of u-commerce.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1659
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DIAGEO, PERNOD RICARD BUY SEAGRAM'S SPIRITS AND WINE BUSINESS
Diageo, the world's leading beverage alcohol company, and Pernod Ricard announced they are buying the spirits and wine business of Seagram. The deal is the largest acquisition of its type, reportedly worth over $8 billion dollars. In North America, Diageo does business as Guinness UDV, America's leading adult beverage company, with a portfolio of world-class brands including Smirnoff, Guinness, Johnnie Walker, J&B, Gordon's and Baileys.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1663
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OFFSETTING CAPITAL GAINS WITH LOSSES
Although the tax bill isn't due until April, now is the time that investors and their tax planners should be planning the most efficient strategy. Merrill Lynch has more on an important tax deadline.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1651
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SWEDISH CONSUMERS TRY 'BUYING IT' THE MOBILE WAY
Ericsson and ICA Ahold, the Nordic region's leading retailing group, have conducted the world's first trials with Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology in retail stores. Using mobile phones equipped with WAP and Bluetooth technologies, customers have been able to pay for goods, check their account status and find out about current offerings.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1656
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SECURING HOMES FROM THEFT OVER THE HOLIDAYS
During the holiday season, unoccupied homes filled with new gifts are inviting targets for thieves and according to the FBI, more than 175,000 homes will be burglarized this month. A new survey by Farmers Insurance Group shows that 60 percent of those polled worry to some degree that their homes will be burglarized over the holidays, and four out of five say they have taken action to secure their homes. Get tips here.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1665
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REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY PUTS JUMP START POWER INTO YOUR HANDS
Winter is dead car battery season, but now drivers can jump start their cars with an easy to use, portable system that fits into a car's trunk or storage space. With the lightweight SecureStart product, motorists will never have to ask a stranger for help or wait for a tow truck to jump start a dead battery.
You can reach the story directly by going to http://www.newstream.com/cgi-bin/display_story.cgi?1655
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