BUSINESS DIGEST
By Unknown Author
Upjohn and Pharmacia Plan $13 Billion Merger In the latest giant merger of drug makers, Upjohn and Pharmacia of Sweden said they would combine in a $13 billion stock deal, creating the world's ninth-largest pharmaceuticals concern. In contrast with other recent mergers in the industry, the deal, which would create a company with $6.8 billion in annual sales, is a friendly one. But like the others, it will result in fewer jobs. [ Page A1. ] Bank Industry's Consolidation Is Shifting Into a Higher Gear The consolidation in the nation's banking industry is accelerating, with 5 mergers among the top 50 banks so far this year. While industry executives say the deals are creating stronger institutions, the short-term effect will be more corporate name changes, branch closings and job losses. [ A1. ] The Competitor as Cover Boy John F. Kennedy Jr. and his new magazine, George, are getting much attention on the covers of other publications. The spectacle of Mr. Kennedy's joining the media horde he has spent his life avoiding has been too much to pass up. Magazines. [ D5. ] Advanced-TV Plan in Britain Within two years, the British Government wants to adopt technology for high-definition television. If it succeeds, Britain could become a test market for the next generation of television. [ D4. ] The Foundation Behind the Book Private foundations have long bankrolled books they view as important. But many publishers say economics and a desire to see a field covered -- not politics -- are the motives behind most foundation support. [ D5. ] Wood Siding Under Attack Siding made by Louisiana-Pacific is doomed to failure in wet weather, leaving homes rotting away across North America, The Oregonian of Portland reported after an investigation. Louisiana-Pacific defended its Inner-Seal wood siding and said that 99 percent of the houses with it do not have any problems. [ A9. ] Protection for Patent Holders In a surprising ruling, the nation's highest patent court has potentially strengthened the power of patent holders. The court bolstered a principle known as the doctrine of equivalents, which is meant to protect inventors from poachers who appropriate the essence of a patent without trespassing its literal borders. [ D2. ] Who's on Line, Anyhow? As they consider the use of advertising on the Internet, companies are awaiting a Nielsen study on the demographics of on-line users. Denise Caruso: Digital Commerce. [ D3. ] Custom Textbooks on Demand Digital printing is giving professors a way to customize the textbooks they use in their classes, and to make quick changes in them from semester to semester. [ D3. ] A New I.B.M.-Microsoft Dispute Simmering hostility between I.B.M. and its former partner, Microsoft, has burst into the open. I.B.M. said that Microsoft had put pressure on trade-show organizers to remove an I.B.M. executive from the program. [ D7. ] For a Magazine, The Start of Act 2 The reincarnated Mirabella magazine, which reaches newsstands next week, still sees itself as a fashion magazine that isn't really a fashion magazine. But Hachette Filipacchi Magazines, the new owner, says the previous version faced problems that will not exist this time. [ D5. ] Gay Services From Planet Out Planet Out, a new electronic media company, wants to become the "gay global village" of cyberspace. It will make its debut on the Microsoft Network later this week. [ D3. ] Windows 95, the Tour In a high-tech traveling show, an 18-wheeler truck will visit 75 cities, offering demonstrations of Microsoft's Windows 95. Microsoft is not a sponsor. Advertising. [ D7. ]
