MSNBC reports that major changes could be in store for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when the results of a long awaited top-to-bottom review of the agency's mission, procedures, and personnel are unveiled as soon as the week of June 27, 2005. According to the article, DHS Secretary Chertoff ordered the 60-day review when he took over at DHS from Secretary Ridge, and made it clear that everything in DHS, from how it purchases office supplies to procedures for screening cargo and passengers to the terror alert system were on the table for change. (MSNBC article, dated 06/24/05, available at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8335266/.)
Toys “R” Us shareholders voted overwhelmingly to adopt a merger deal, allowing acquisition of the company by an investment group made up of Bain Capital Partners, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Vornado Realty Trust affiliates, the company said Thurs. The deal was for $6.6 billion and assumption of debt. The vote came at a special meeting in N.Y. with about 98% of stockholders present and voting adopting the merger deal. The company said the number of shares voting to adopt the merger deal represented about 61% of the total number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Toys “R” Us also said the Del. Court of Chancery denied a request by the Iron Workers of Western Pa. Pension & Profit Plans and Jolly Roger Fund for a preliminary injunction and delay of the closing of the merger. The merger plan, announced March 17 (CED March 18 p6), is expected to close by the end of July, pending satisfaction or waiver of all closing conditions of the deal. The company will become private as a result. Under the deal’s terms, company stockholders will receive $26.75 per share in cash without interest, Toys “R” Us said. The company said early this week CEO John Eyler and COO Christopher Kay will resign when the acquisition is completed (CED June 23 p10).
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued its final results of the changed circumstances antidumping (AD) duty review of certain softwood lumber products from Canada.
A small Vt. electronics company is suing Apple, alleging the computer giant’s iTunes interface infringes on its patent. Contois Music & Technology sued June 13 in U.S. Dist. Court, alleging that Apple’s digital music jukebox irreparably damages Contois, according to court documents obtained by AppleInsider. The company seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction, plus unspecified monetary damages from Apple’s alleged “copying and willful infringement” of its design patent and reimbursement for legal fees, according to the complaint. Contois has a 6-year old design patent titled “Computer Control System and User Interface for Media Playing Devices.” Contois officials said they notified Apple in writing of its patent in Sept. 2004, but believe Apple learned of the patent on its own more than 18 months earlier, AppleInsider reported. Calls to attorneys weren’t returned at press time.
A small Vt. electronics company is suing Apple, alleging the computer giant’s iTunes interface infringes on its patent. Contois Music & Technology sued June 13 in U.S. Dist. Court, alleging that Apple’s digital music jukebox irreparably damages Contois, according to court documents obtained by AppleInsider. The company seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction, plus unspecified monetary damages from Apple’s alleged “copying and willful infringement” of its design patent and reimbursement for legal fees, according to the complaint. Contois has a 6-year old design patent titled “Computer Control System and User Interface for Media Playing Devices.” Contois officials said they notified Apple in writing of its patent in Sept. 2004, but believe Apple learned of the patent on its own more than 18 months earlier, AppleInsider reported. Calls to attorneys weren’t returned at press time.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued its preliminary results of the following antidumping (AD) duty administrative review:
(Official April 2005 Data Added)
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued a notice stating that it is postponing until no later than August 16, 2005 (from June 27, 2005) the preliminary antidumping (AD) duty determination on certain orange juice from Brazil.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued the final results of its antidumping (AD) duty administrative review of certain hot-rolled carbon steel flat products from Romania for the period of November 1, 2002 through October 31, 2003.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued the final results of its antidumping (AD) duty administrative review of fresh garlic from China for the period of November 1, 2002 through October 31, 2003.