BBC Business News Headlines

The number of people under threat of losing their homes has risen sharply in England and Wales, figures show.

French utility EDF makes an offer for British Energy, although the price has not been disclosed.

Microsoft appeals against a $1.4bn fine given for defying sanctions imposed on it for anti-competitive behaviour.

Centrica warns that the prospect of making money from wind farms is looking "marginal" due to high costs.

BAA shareholders have agreed to stump up £400m ($779m) as the firm struggles to refinance its debt.

British Airways will begin to move its long-haul flights to Heathrow's Terminal 5 from June, the firm confirms.

US bank giant Citigroup aims to sell $400bn of assets over the next three years to bolster its financial position.

The US trade deficit shrinks by more than expected as the weak dollar leads to a surge in exports, figures show.

Alliance and Leicester joins other lenders in charging new customers with smaller deposits higher rates.

Rice prices rise for a sixth straight day as supplies continue to be stretched after cyclone damage in Burma.

Crude oil has hit yet another all-time high in Friday trading, as strong demand and supply fears continue.

HMV shares rise 4% after the retailer says it is confident that profits will be at the top end of expectations.

French industrial output falls four times more sharply than expected in March, raising concerns about the economy.

Google expresses interest in extending an advertising partnership with fellow search engine Yahoo.

Drinks giant Diageo says it will invest 650m euros in its Irish beer business - its largest capital investment to date.

Insurance giant AIG posts its biggest ever quarterly loss due to its continuing exposure to bad US mortgage debt.

C&C, the maker of Magners cider, says revenues have fallen in the past year after cider lost popularity.

UK interest rates are held at 5% by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, as inflation concerns persist.

Warner Music sees quarterly losses widen after consumers opt for digital music over CDs.

One in three European consumers buying plane tickets online is being misled, the European Commission warns.

UK kitchen equipment firm Enodis, which supplies machines to McDonald's, agrees to be bought for £1bn.

Some insurance comparison websites give incorrect information, a probe by watchdog the FSA finds.

Homeowners in England and Wales are given extra time to comply with the final rules for Home Information Packs.

More than a million adults a year in the UK are inheriting money from their relatives, new research reveals.

Mortgage markets will take two years to recover from the credit squeeze, the Building Societies Association says.

The European Central Bank leaves eurozone interest rates on hold at 4% after its latest meeting.

US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says the worst of the credit crunch may have passed.

Vladimir Putin promises to rein in inflation and boost social spending in his new job as Russia's prime minister.

South Africa promises that its lucrative mining sector will not suffer further power disruption during the winter months.

A slump in the number of stamped letters sees Royal Mail's losses widen to £279m in the year to March.

A gangmaster is stripped of his licence after investigators said they uncovered forced labour.

Discount firms Wal-Mart and Costco see April sales rise as consumers seek cheaper options, figures indicate.