Merkel Shifts From Euro to Global Agenda With Papal Visit

(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel added Pope Francis to her expanding diplomatic push on Saturday, stepping away from euro-area crisis negotiations to promote her global agenda on combating climate change, disease and poverty.

France PM Valls pushes key economic reforms through

The French prime minister has resorted to a rarely used emergency procedure to push through labour market reforms without a parliamentary vote.

Greece requests euro zone loan extension, offers big concessions

Greece formally requested a six-month extension to its euro zone loan agreement on Thursday as it races to avoid running out of cash within weeks and overcome resistance from skeptical partners led by Germany.

Greek central bank says 'absolutely no problem' with banks

(Reuters) - Greek central bank governor Yannis Stournaras said on Thursday that Greek banks were solid and under control, a day after the European Central Bank denied them use of Greek bonds as collateral for loans.

CORPORATE FINANCE: SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS PREPARE TO TAKE MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN M&A

Sovereign wealth funds could play a big supporting role as global mergers and acquisitions try to get back on track following a dramatic slowdown in M&A activity during the credit crisis and global recession. While they are not about to become swashbuckling barbarians at corporate gates, SWFs are joining together in “clubs” to cooperate on strategic investments and takeovers.