Daily Investor Briefing: Exclusive: Carlyle in the lead to...

	Click to View in Browser 12/23/2013 Exclusive: Carlyle in the lead to acquire J&J diagnostics unit: sources NEW YORK (Reuters) - Private equity firm Carlyle Group LP is in the lead to acquire Johnson & Johnson's ortho clinical diagnostics unit, three people familiar with the matter said on Monday, in a deal expected to be around $4 billion. Dow, S&P hit record highs on Apple's gains NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks climbed on Monday, with the Dow and S&P 500 advancing to all-time highs after Apple Inc's distribution deal with China Mobile lifted the technology sector. Confident consumers brighten economic outlook WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Consumer sentiment hit a five-month high heading into the end of the year and spending notched its strongest month since the summer, the latest signs of sustained vigor in the economy that are fostering hopes of a strong 2014. Ackman sticks with Herbalife short sale, promises new information in 2014 BOSTON (Reuters) - Herbalife is still engaged in improper recruiting tactics and is likely violating multi-level market restrictions in China, activist hedge fund manager William Ackman wrote to his investors on Monday. Jos. A. Bank rejects Men's Wearhouse takeover offer (Reuters) - Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc has rebuffed a $1.5 billion takeover bid by Men's Wearhouse Inc , prompting its larger rival to explore other ways to satisfy investors' hunger for a merger of the suit retailers. Fed's Fisher says favored $20 billin taper: Fox Business WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Dallas Federal Reserve President Richard Fisher said on Monday that the U.S. central bank had taken an important psychological step when it announced a reduction in bond buying at its policy meeting last week, but he favored even bolder action. U.S. funeral firm agrees to sell assets as part of $1.4 billion deal: FTC (Reuters) - The largest U.S. provider of funeral and cemetery services has agreed to sell some of its assets to resolve federal charges that a proposed $1.4 billion deal to buy a smaller rival would substantially lessen competition in the industry. French strike keeps a third of oil refining sector shut PARIS (Reuters) - A strike at three of Total's five oil refineries in France held firm for an 11th day on Monday, but the risk of a repeat of fuel shortages seen during a 2010 walkout receded after staff at a fourth plant returned to work on Sunday. Freeport in 'at-will' pay deal with CEO, grants $36 million in stock (Reuters) - Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc said on Monday it reached an agreement with Chief Executive Richard Adkerson to cancel his employment agreement, giving up his guaranteed salary, benefits and rights to substantial severance in exchange for restricted stock worth about $36 million. Cyprus on track, but paying down debt may hamper growth for a decade: IMF (Reuters) - Cyprus's efforts to extricate itself from its massive debt could weigh on output for the next decade, the IMF warned on Monday, in a review in which it said the island was well on track in its economic adjustment program. Related Video Holiday sales will be weakest since 2009- IHS' Christopher Target traffic falls on data breach Related News Hot 2014 investing tip: Don't chase 2013 Three ways to fix financial aid form flaws A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend