ABB buys Baldor for $3.1 billion to expand in US.

BP sued for violating the rights of nature.

Coca-Cola invites tweeters to light up London's Piccadilly Circus.

Comcast toll for online video irks partners.

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Disney brings Mickey Mouse to Wii fans with Disney Epic Mickey game.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group launches Let's Play in US.

Facebook tops UK ranking of family brands, welcomed George Bush at its HQ.Continue reading...

Apple announces Black Friday sale.

BP's $2 billion Gulf compensation fund fails to quell critics.

Citi launches "financial capability" site to educate consumers.

Coty is buying Philosophy, one of of Oprah's "Ultimate Favorite Things" brands.

Disney's video games chief steps down.

Gawker forced to remove Sarah Palin book excerpts.

GM plans 100-dealer network for Baojun in China.Continue reading...

It’s certainly nothing new to think of people—and even celebrity couples—as brands these days. But the engagement/wedding of Britain’s Prince William and his fiancé Kate Middleton is becoming a brand that is celebrity couple and event all rolled into one big fairy-tale package — and it’s expected to help out the lackluster British economy.

As soon as the engagement was announced last week, the race was on to produce goods like copies of the royal blue Issa wrap-dress Middleton wore when the engagement was announced and the ring given to her by Prince William (which formerly belonged to his mother, Princess Diana).

Both have already been lampooned, with Anne Hathaway wearing reproductions of the ring and dress on Saturday Night Live this past weekend.Continue reading...