Principal content
Buy-out groups aim to improve their image
The private equity industry intensified efforts to present a positive image and counter criticism that a boom in leveraged buy-outs is creating social and economic risks.
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French candidate wrong-footed by hoax call
Nasdaq refuses to budge on LSE price
At Davos, Thain damps NYSE bid hopes
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Global trade unionism
“Workers of all lands, unite” is one of socialism’s more hopeful slogans. Right now, though, there are renewed calls for bigger, cross-border unions in the face of globalisation.
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Arts & Weekend
We’ll always have...

FT film critic Nigel Andrews finds the places that are really precious to us are those that evoke key moments or moods in our lives
Lunch with the FT: Pete Peterson
From immigrant beginnings to equity billions
Comment
Urban sprawl and a waste of energy

In the US Sunbelt there are new suburbs in which every house sits on an acre of land. Without cars these places are uninhabitable, writes Christopher Caldwell.