Air Canada woos US business travelers to fly via Toronto.

Avon brand challenged in emerging markets.

Canadians went to the polls today in 41st federal election.

Dish Network appoints a new head of embattled Blockbuster chain.

EU contest to name science funding program sees flood of entries. 

Jean-Paul Gaultier brand catches eye of Spanish perfume-maker Puig.

London 2012 Olympics organizers invite public to name neighborhoods.

Mercedes-Benz opens first teen driving school in America.

NASDAQ to "go hostile" with NYSE bid.Continue reading...

ABC's Desperate Housewives renew contracts with eight-figure salaries. 

Amazon launches $25 cheaper ad-supported Kindle.

NFL players, owners ordered to start federal mediation.

Donald Trump goes on the warpath against New York media.

BP gives Florida $30 million for advertising.

Costco undercuts cheapest gas prices but stocks $1M diamond ring.

David Beckham says he will collaborate on a kids clothing line with pal Snoop Dogg.

Experian says 30% of searches came from Bing last month.Continue reading...

What’s in a name? Billions of dollars if you’re NYSE Euronext and Deutsche Börse AG, as the Wall Street Journal's Aaron Lucchetti explains in the above video.

Scores of consultants, executives and thousands of employees of both brands are trying to devise the best name for the pending NYSE Euronext-Deutsche Borse merger, a new trans-Atlantic company with $5.4 billion-revenue and 6,500 employees.

This name must pass muster with marketing, legal and branding specialists even as the new organization comes under regulatory scrutiny from Germany, Brussels and the Securities and Exchange Commission, among others.Continue reading...

AMC, Matthew Weiner and Lionsgate reach agreement to keep Mad Men on the air for three more seasons.

Sbarro restaurant chain to file Chapter 11.

American Apparel nears bankruptcy filing.

American Airlines and Japan Airlines launch trans-Pacific airline alliance.

Budweiser runs responsible drinking campaign on "China's Twitter," Sina Weibo.

Disney rolls out Disneymedia+ to integrate brand marketing in Europe.

Panasonic reports on impact of Japan disaster on operations.Continue reading...

Nikkei slips as another earthquake hit Japan Sunday, as Tepco head pressured to quit after costing shareholders $26 billion; fear of radiation and shortages drives panic buying of Japanese goods; auto industry suffers as Toyota, Honda and others stand to lose billions in revenue; and Wal-Mart reopens 12 quake-hit stores.

Google to launch in-app billing for Android; woos celebs to create themed channels on YouTube; and works on mobile payments as near field communications battle looms. CEO Larry Page, meanwhile, is working on cutting red tape and fostering internal communications.

BlackBerry-maker RIM is in "slow-motion decline," says WSJ, while acquires mobile tool developer.

Facebook is reportedly in talks to hire former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs; and updates Questions in boost for brands.Continue reading...

AT&T explained why it's shelling out $39 billion for T-Mobile to create America's biggest wireless carrier in a conference call this morning (WSJ.com has more) while Sprint is "left scrambling" and JPMorgan trumps Goldman Sachs with deal.

Japan food brands face consumer fears of contamination as Tepco nuclear plant situation continues. Sony and Nissan are also resuming operations, while YouTube promotes a video people-finder to aid search and rescue efforts. Swiss Re estimates Japan claims at $1.2 billion.

Berkshire Hathaway seeks more big acquisitions — but not technology. 

Boeing launches newest 747 on its maiden flight.

Diageo is reportedly weighing a $2 billion bid for Jose Cuervo.Continue reading...

Global brands respond with relief efforts for Japan.

Adidas kicks off biggest-ever campaign on March 16th.

Amazon tops survey of brand value perception.

BMW relies on X-3 and 6 Series for profit growth.

BYD may prove a terrible bet for Warren Buffett.

Disney tries to learn from failure of Mars Needs Moms. 

Facebook takes aim at Groupon, which also faces competition from Gowalla.Continue reading...

Ann Taylor parent rebrands to Ann Inc.

Google launches NCAA basketball site for March Madness, announces changes to Blogger at SXSW.

Microsoft said to cease Zune production as demand wanes.

Nasdaq bid for NYSE could come this week.

Nelson Mandela charitable arm is launching a clothing line.

US TV networks may punt if NFL football is lost.

Zynga rolls out new virtual currency in lieu of credits.