Deen split

Paula Deen announced yesterday that she has cut business ties with Barry Weiner, the New York agent who helped make her a Food Network star and launch a media and merchandising empire that has largely crumbled in the wake of her admission that she used racial slurs in the past.

Samsung hot

Samsung is set to report a record $8.9 billion quarterly profit on Friday, even as growth in sales of its blockbuster Galaxy series begins to wane and new rivals emerge to challenge its market share.

Portugal light

Portugal’s prime minister has found a way to maintain government stability with the junior partner in the ruling coalition, but the full details still need to be agreed to end a political crisis that has threatened Lisbon’s adjustment under a bailout.

Duds a dud

British retailer Marks & Spencer is set to report an eighth consecutive quarterly fall in clothing sales, ratcheting up pressure on management to deliver a swift turnaround.