News Headlines - 14 December 2019

▽Japan's Hoya to launch $1.4 billion counter-bid for Toshiba unit NuFlare - Reuters

Japan’s Hoya Corp said on Friday it would make a $1.4 billion counter-bid for NuFlare Technology Inc in what could become a hostile offer for the Toshiba Corp unit, which the electronics conglomerate plans to buy out.
Hoya’s interest in the manufacturer of chip-making equipment further complicates a deal already being challenged by Japanese activist investor Yoshiaki Murakami, which has amassed a 6.2% stake.
With Hoya offering a sweeter deal, it could also become another test case for Japan’s corporate governance when it comes to seeking higher returns for shareholders. Hoya is offering 12,900 yen - or 1,000 yen more than Toshiba - valuing NuFlare at 147.7 billion yen ($1.4 billion).

▽Kokuyo's Bid for Pentel Ends in Failure | Nippon.com

Japanese stationery maker Pentel Co. has successfully blocked an unwanted bid from industry leader Kokuyo Co., its largest shareholder.
Pentel said Friday that more than 50 pct of its total outstanding shares are now in the hands of parties against Kokuyo's bid to buy the company, including a Pentel employee shareholder association and industry peer Plus Corp.
Kokuyo, which has purchased more shares in Pentel to make it a subsidiary, failed to secure a majority stake in the target company. To fend off Kokuyo's bid, Pentel has asked Plus for a capital partnership.

▽UN official: Chilean police abused protester's human rights

A U.N. human rights report released Friday accused Chilean security forces of serious human rights violations against protesters over the past two months, including deaths, torture, sexual abuse and the use of excessive force.
The report was released by the U.N. Human Rights Office, which is headed by former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet - a domestic political rival of current President Sebastián Piñera.
The high commissioner’s report, which drew push-back from Chilean officials, urged the government to allow its citizens to peacefully demonstrate without being physically harmed.

▽John Lennon's sunglasses sell for £137,000 - BBC News

A pair of John Lennon's sunglasses have sold for £137,500.
The Beatles star left the round-rimmed glasses in the back of Ringo Starr's Mercedes in the summer of 1968.
Former chauffeur Alan Herring, who sold them at auction at Sotheby's in London, said he noticed at the time that they were damaged... Mr Herring said he never did get them fixed. They were sold to an unnamed bidder on Friday.

▽Zagitova takes break from figure skating | NHK WORLD

Olympic figure skating gold medalist Alina Zagitova says she is taking a break from competition this winter.
The 17-year-old told a Russian TV program on Friday that she would not take part in the national championships later this month. That will make her ineligible for the European and world championships early next year.
She spoke of the need to get her motivation back, and also suggested she will focus on non-competitive ice shows in the future.