What the other papers say this morning
FINANCIAL TIMES
Intersnack hungry for KP Snacks
The British maker of Hula Hoops crisps, KP nuts and Mini Cheddars is about to be sold to German snacks maker Intersnack, paving the way for a possible disposal of the rest of United Biscuits’ brands, including McVitie’s Jaffa cakes next year.
Intersnack, the owner of Pom-Bear crisps and Penn State pretzels, may reach an agreement to buy KP Snacks – the United Biscuits’ salty snacks division – as soon as this week, the people said. The deal could be worth more than £500m, one of the people said.
China’s Xi lets a hundred flowers wilt
In its first notable policy initiative under Xi Jinping, the ruling party’s politburo has banned flower arrangements, red-carpet welcomes and “empty talk”, as part of a sweeping drive against an inefficient and showy bureaucracy.
Netflix strikes Disney movies deal
The pay-television industry faces renewed competition from Netflix after the DVD and video streaming operator struck a deal with Walt Disney to become its exclusive TV partner with distribution rights to its hit movies.
THE TIMES
Hospitals chief checks himself out
Ali Parsa, an Iranian-born former Goldman Sachs banker, stepped down yesterday as head of Circle Holdings – the only private operator of an NHS hospital, only ten months into the 10-year deal.
Outrage at massive SFO payoffs
Christian Bailes, the fraudbusting agency’s outgoing chief operating officer, has been promised a payoff of up to £475,000 in a controversial exit deal struck under the agency’s former director.
The Daily Telegraph
Merkel re-elected as party leader
A tearful Angela Merkel has been overwhelmingly re-elected her party’s leader as she kicked off her bid for a third term, saying only she could steer Germany through turbulence at home and abroad.
Watchdog starts probe into MP
Conservative MP Stephen Dorrell is facing a formal sleaze investigation over failing to declare links to care home owners. He had secretly arranged for the owners of a nursing home chain to buy his London flat.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
JP Morgan taps new Asia chief
JP Morgan Chase has named Nicolas Aguzin, currently chief executive of its Latin America business, as head of its Asia operations in part of a global management reshuffle.
McAfee says he is in Guatemala
John McAfee, the antivirus mogul on the run from authorities in Belize, said yesterday in a blog post that he is now in Guatemala where he plans to meet with the government.