Global Investing Roundups: Macy’s, Anheuser-Busch, Yum Brands

General Growth Properties Facing Bankruptcy; Macy’s Cut Capital Spending 45%; Oil Futures Dip; China Retail Sales Soar; Yum Restructures; AB Shareholders Approve InBev Merger

• General Growth Properties Inc. (GGP) warned it is on the brink of bankruptcy, as slow retail sales have forced many of its mall vendors to close their doors, CNNMoney.com reported. The nation’s second-largest shopping mall operator said in a SEC filing that it has more than $950 million in property and corporate debt, and is facing another $3.07 billion in debt that matures in 2009.

• Sales fell 7% in the third quarter for Macy’s Inc. (M), leading to a $44 million loss, or 10 cents a share. As a result, the Cincinnati-based retailer said it is cutting capital spending by as much as 45% in 2009, MarketWatch reported.

• Oil continued falling faster than it rose, as December futures for light sweet crude slid $3.08 overnight to $59.01 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The sharp fall is blamed on concerns that global growth next year will clock in slower than expected, the Associated Press reported.

• October retail sales in China rose a robust 22%, sending a strong signal that its powerhouse economy could stand tall amidst global recession. The sales growth is nearly its fastest pace in nine years, Bloomberg reported.

• Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) said yesterday (Wednesday) that it would cut “several hundred” jobs as it restructures its U.S. business. The company plans to reduce the percentage of Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants it owns to from 20% to 10% by selling units to franchisees. The company will continue to own 20% of all Taco Bell restaurants.

• Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc. (BUD) shareholders yesterday (Wednesday) approved the $52 billion takeover offer from Belgian rival InBev NV. More than two-thirds of the Budweiser brewer’s shareholders voted, with 96% voting in favor of the deal. Anheuser-Busch and InBev will form the world’s largest brewer if and when federal regulators clear the deal.

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