DAILY DEALS
Microsoft Corp. executives are in early talks with potential Yahoo Inc. investors about contributing to financing to buy the troubled Internet company, Reuters reports. Story
Snapchat has agreed to acquire Bitstrips, the Toronto-based maker of personalized emojis known as bitmojis, in a deal valued near $100-million (U.S.), Fortune reports. Story
U.S. data analytics firm Qlik Technologies Inc. has begun exploring strategic alternatives, including a sale, after coming under pressure from an activist shareholder, Reuters reports. Story
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
(LAST WEEK'S MOST-READ POSTS)
Adrian Myers on the law and corporate taxation:
"Why do we tax corporations? Don't recoil – this is a tough question. The natural response is to argue that corporations are big and wealthy and can afford to pay taxes. In other words, they can be taxed so they should be taxed." Story
Tim Kiladze on the humbling of Michael Pearson
"How humbling this whole escapade must be for Michael Pearson, to have his fall from pharmaceutical grace propelled by Martin Shkreli.
Yep, that guy – the smug "entrepreneur" blasted for raising the price of specialty drug Daraprim by more than 55 times, and later charged with fraud by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for other woes. Until Mr. Shkreli's business practices came to light last fall, barely anyone noticed Mr. Pearson was up to the same sharp price hikes at Valeant Pharmaceuticals." Story
Jacqueline Nelson on Sun Life's stealthy Asian expansion
"Sun Life Financial Inc.'s little deals and investments in Asia are adding up.
In the last three years Sun Life has committed nearly $1-billion to the region, said Dean Connor, chief executive of Sun Life. He has plans to make the Toronto-based insurer's presence in Asia a bigger part of his company, but making big bets isn't his style." Story
IN OTHER NEWS ...
Another executive search at the OSC
The Ontario Securities Commission is launching a second challenging search for a top executive in a climate of uncertainty over the ultimate fate of Canada's largest securities regulator.
The commission announced Wednesday that enforcement director Tom Atkinson is departing for China, where he will become executive director of enforcement at the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. He is leaving after seven years heading the OSC's enforcement division, which is the high-profile unit responsible for investigating and prosecuting securities crimes. Story
Patricia Mohr to retire
One of Canada's most recognizable experts in commodities and a rational voice in a sector known for hyperbole, is retiring next month after serving 31 years as an economist at Bank of Nova Scotia. Story