Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports March Sales Results

Google is leveraging the increasingly visual nature of search for e-commerce. The online platform is piloting a program that enables consumers to directly make purchases from the results of image searches. Known as shoppable ads on Google Images, the service builds upon Google’s existing shopping ads on Google Images, which allows retailers to display their products at the top of consumer image searches. Citing a figure that 50% of online shoppers said images of the product inspired them to purchase and are increasingly are turning to Google Images, Google is enabling retailers to highlight multiple products available for sale within their sponsored ad among Google Images results. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Gannett Co., Inc. announced that Gannett Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has priced a $1.045 billion term loan, which will be used to refinance the 11.5% term loan entered into for the acquisition of Gannett Media Corp. The Term Loan B priced at L+700, with a 0.75% LIBOR floor and maturity of February 2026, callable at any time. The new Term Loan B is expected to close early next week and is subject to execution of definitive documentation. “We are pleased to announce the refinancing of our 11.5% term loan with a widely syndicated L+700 Term Loan B, which meaningfully improves the Company’s balance sheet and overall capital structure,” said Michael Reed, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gannett.

Staples, Inc. and Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. announced today that Staples and Cerberus have entered into an agreement in relation to the sale of a controlling interest in Staples' European operations to a Cerberus affiliate. Staples' European business consists of retail, contract, and online businesses in 16 countries generating aggregate annual sales of approximately €1.7 billion. Staples is retaining a 15 percent equity interest in the business and will be represented on its board of directors following the closing of the transaction. In accordance with applicable law, Staples will now consult relevant European works councils. Subject to these consultations and satisfaction of other conditions, the parties anticipate closing the transaction during the first quarter of Staples' fiscal 2017 year. "One of our top strategic priorities has been to narrow our geographic focus on North America, and this is an important step toward simplifying our operations and better positioning Staples for sustainable long-term growth," said Shira Goodman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Staples, Inc. "We believe that working with Cerberus will help enable the future success of the Staples Europe business, benefiting our associates and customers in the region." click Read More below for additional detail