Matt Townsend
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@business editor in NYC. Lover of Cake (the band). Girl dad. Cavapoo dad. Philly fan. Brooklyner. @PittTweet & @newmarkjschool grad. My bad opinions are my own.
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Articles by Matt Townsend
Ballmer Accepts Penalties in U-Turn Over Clippers Violations (1)
The team initially said it would “vigorously” challenge one of the in NBA history for violating salary cap rules, but Ballmer opted not to fight the penalties that will hamstring the team for years. “We are committing to put this chapter behind us,” Ballmer said in a statement posted online Sunday night. “We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying with the penalties assessed by the league, have paid the fine, and are moving forward.
Ballmer Accepts NBA Penalties in U-Turn Over Clippers Violations
The team initially said it would “vigorously” challenge one of the in NBA history for violating salary cap rules, but Ballmer opted not to fight the penalties that will hamstring the team for years. “We are committing to put this chapter behind us,” Ballmer said in a statement posted online Sunday night. “We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying with the penalties assessed by the league, have paid the fine, and are moving forward.
Ballmer Accepts Penalties in U-Turn Over Clippers Violations
Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images (Bloomberg) -- Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer backed down.
LSU Risks Conference Ouster Over Ex-NFL Player Eligibility
Photographer: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images (Bloomberg) -- Leaders from schools in the Southeastern Conference are planning to meet on Thursday to discuss expelling Louisiana State University amid a dispute over the football team’s...
Ejecutivo de la FIFA cuestiona plan de Infantino de vender acciones de una unidad comercial
Bloomberg — El director operativo de la FIFA, Kevin Lamour, señaló que él y su equipo se sintieron engañados ante el plan de Gianni Infantino de vender acciones de una unidad comercial a inversores privados. “Es un proyecto de una sola persona”, declaró Lamour a la Associated Press. No debería seguir adelante y “ha llegado el momento de que los dirigentes políticos del fútbol se hagan las preguntas correctas y tomen las decisiones adecuadas”.
FIFA Executive Says Blindsided by Infantino’s Privatization Plan Original
Photographer: Harry Murphy/UEFA/Getty Images (Bloomberg) -- FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour said he and staff were deceived by Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in a proposed commercial unit to investors.
Balogun to start for US amid backlash after FIFA suspends ban
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Balogun to Start for US Amid Backlash After FIFA Suspends Ban
Photographer: Luke Hales/Getty Images (Bloomberg) -- Folarin Balogun will be in the starting lineup for the US in its World Cup clash with Belgium after FIFA reversed course by suspending his one-game ban, sparking a backlash.
Kroger to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion in Midwest push
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Kroger to acquire Giant Eagle chain in $1.65 billion deal
MT By Matt Townsend, Bloomberg July 01, 2026 07:55 AM EDT Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) of Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 1, reached a deal to acquire the Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle Inc. grocery chain for about $1.65 billion.
Kroger to Buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 Billion in Midwest Push (1) Original
reached a deal to acquire for $1.65 billion, adding about 200 stores in states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. Closely held Giant Eagle generated about $9 billion in sales in 2025, according to a . That would represent roughly 6% of Kroger’s $147.6 billion in revenue during its last fiscal year. Kroger, which operates several grocery store-chains, has been trying to under new Chief Executive Officer by cutting some prices to compete with rivals such as Walmart Inc., Costco Wholesale Corp.
New York Mets Fire Manager Mendoza After Rough First Half (1)
The last-place fired manager Carlos Mendoza and replaced him with Andy Green, an executive in the team’s front office, for the remainder of the season. The Mets, owned by billionaire , have a record 34-47 at the midpoint of the season despite the highest payroll in Major League Baseball. Mendoza took over in 2024 and led the Mets on a deep playoff run, coming up just short of making the World Series. But those good vibes didn’t last. The team missed the playoffs last year, despite the of Juan Soto.
Mets fire manager Mendoza after last place run in first half
MT By Matt Townsend, Bloomberg June 26, 2026 01:46 PM EDT The last-place New York Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza and replaced him with Andy Green, an executive in the team’s front office, for the remainder of the season.
New York Mets Fire Manager Mendoza After Rough First Half
Photographer: Steph Chambers/Getty Images (Bloomberg) -- The last-place New York Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza and replaced him with Andy Green, an executive in the team’s front office, for the remainder of the season.
Yum Brands venderá Pizza Hut por US$2.700 millones tras años de dificultades
Bloomberg — Yum! Brands Inc. (YUM) acordó vender su cadena Pizza Hut por US$2.700 millones a una firma de capital privado, junto con su negocio en China. LongRange Capital adquirirá Pizza Hut (excluyendo China) por 1.500 millones de dólares, según informó Yum en un comunicado el martes. Yum China Holdings Inc. comprará el resto del negocio por US$1.200 millones. Se espera que las transacciones se cierren en el tercer trimestre.
Yum to Sell Struggling Pizza Hut Chain for $2.7 Billion
Yum Brands Inc. entered an agreement to sell its struggling Pizza Hut chain for $2.7 billion to two different firms. The Pizza Hut division, excluding mainland China, will be acquired by private equity firm LongRange Capital, Yum said in a . The China stores will be purchased by Yum China Holdings Inc. Yum!’s shares rose as much as 2.2% in premarket trading. © 2026 Bloomberg L.P. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
World Cup is non-event for most Americans
The World Cup is often dubbed the biggest event on the planet. But that’s not the case in the US, even with America hosting matches for the first time in three decades. In a recent survey, more than half of US adults said they’re unlikely to watch any of the 104 tournament games on TV at home. Only 13% said they were absolutely certain to watch, according to a Morning Consult poll conducted in late May for Bloomberg.
Más de la mitad de los estadounidenses no planea ver el Mundial 2026
Bloomberg — A menudo se califica a la Copa del Mundo como el mayor evento del planeta. Sin embargo, este no es el caso en Estados Unidos, pese a que el país acoge partidos por primera vez en tres décadas. Según una encuesta reciente, más del 50% de los adultos estadounidenses afirmaron que es poco probable que vean por televisión en casa alguno de los 104 partidos del torneo.
World Cup Is Non-Event for Most Americans, Especially Boomers
The is often dubbed the biggest event on the planet. But that’s not the case in the US, even with America hosting matches for the first time in three decades. In a recent survey, more than half of US adults said they’re unlikely to watch any of the 104 tournament games on TV at home. Only 13% said they were absolutely certain to watch, according to a Morning Consult poll conducted in late May for Bloomberg. Views on the tournament varied widely by age.
‘Quem é Messi?’ Desinteresse persiste nos EUA apesar de país sediar Copa, diz pesquisa
Bloomberg — A Copa do Mundo é frequentemente chamada de o maior evento do planeta. Mas esse não é o caso nos EUA, mesmo com os Estados Unidos sediando jogos pela primeira vez em três décadas. Em uma pesquisa recente, mais da metade dos adultos norte-americanos disseram que é improvável que assistam a qualquer um dos 104 jogos do torneio na TV em casa.
World Cup Is Non-Event for Most Americans, Especially Boomers
Photographer: Giorgio Viera/AFP/Getty Images (Bloomberg) -- The World Cup is often dubbed the biggest event on the planet. But that’s not the case in the US, even with America hosting matches for the first time in three decades.
Lululemon founder says he’ll be ‘constructive’ to solve dispute
The B.C. Parks Foundation will be unveiling its biggest ever donation, which will allow the purchase and permanent protection of 311 hectares of pristine habitat in three locations stretching from the far North East Rocky Mountain foothills to the far South East deserts of B.C. Donor, apparently Chip Wilson and Summer Wilson, through their Wilson 5 Foundation Chip Wilson, the billionaire founder of Lululemon Athletica Inc., responded to criticism from the company, saying he’s looking for a...
Lululemon founder says he’ll be ‘constructive’ to solve dispute
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Lululemon founder says he’ll be ‘constructive’ to solve dispute
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Lululemon founder says he'll be ‘constructive' to solve dispute
(Bloomberg) -- Chip Wilson, the billionaire founder of Lululemon Athletica Inc., responded to criticism from the company, saying he's looking for a constructive path forward and suggested a resolution could be reached. “There is no reason why we cannot reach a resolution to this fight quickly,” Wilson said in a statement on Monday.
Saudi Arabia to pull LIV Golf funding after season, WSJ reports
(Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia's public investment fund plans to end financial support for LIV Golf after this season, according to report in the Wall Street Journal. The upstart golf league plans to tell players and staff by Thursday, the paper reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Most Read from Bloomberg ©2026 Bloomberg L.P.
Estée Lauder Sinks on Report of Nearing Deal to Acquire Puig
declined after the Financial Times reported that the company is nearing a deal to combine with , a Spanish beauty firm. A transaction could be announced as soon as Monday, said the newspaper in citing people familiar with the matter. The exact terms of the potential deal weren’t known, according to the people. Puig the companies are in talks. Estée Lauder’s stock fell as much as 9.1% on the news.
March Madness Might Bring Out the Flutie Effect: Business of Sports
Long Island University guard Greg Gordon goes up for a shot this season.
Knicks alum turns three-win team into NYC's NCAA Cinderella bid
(Bloomberg) -- Rod Strickland's career with the New York Knicks was short-lived after being traded during his second NBA season more than three decades ago. Now March Madness is giving the 59-year-old Bronx native another chance to shine in his hometown. Strickland, who was a highly-touted high school point guard in the 1980s and battled in the NBA for 17 seasons, has coached Long Island University to its first NCAA tournament in almost a decade.
Dollar Tree falls after annual outlook disappoints investors
(Bloomberg) -- Dollar Tree Inc. disappointed investors with a mixed an annual outlook, raising doubts about its ability to keep winning over shoppers with low prices. Sales are projected to be as much as $20.7 billion this year, just missing projections. The average analyst estimate for adjusted earnings came in at about the midpoint of the company's forecast. The company's shares fell roughly 5% in premarket trading. The stock had declined 13% this year, following a surge of 64% in 2025.
Miami Dolphins Owner Ross Offered Up to $15 Billion for Team
Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he’s received offers for the National Football League franchise that have approached $15 billion, a sign of how much valuations have surged since he...
Discounter Five Below Has Robust Holiday as Shoppers Seek Deals
Photographer: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Five Below Inc. boosted its sales forecast beyond Wall Street estimates after reporting a banner holiday shopping season.
US Foods News Updates
BusinessEquipmentPrivateTop 100 Scott McPherson to Succeed George Holm as PFG CEO The move comes less than one month after Richmond, Va.-based PFG and US Foods called off talks for a planned merger that would have reshaped the food service carrier arena.
Performance Food Group News Updates
BusinessLogistics Trucking M&A to Increase in 2026 Due to Fed Rate Cuts: PwC The assessment from PwC analysts came after a 2025 that already saw buyers focused on subsectors offering defensible growth, operating efficiency and exposure to high-barrier markets.
Burger King Owner Sells Majority of China Unit to Speed Growth
A Burger King restaurant in a mall in Beijing. (Bloomberg) -- Restaurant Brands International Inc. agreed to sell a majority stake in the China unit of its Burger King chain, part of a plan to ignite growth there.
RH, Wayfair Decline After Trump Threatens Tariffs as High as 50% Original
Shares of furniture retailers tumbled after President announced that the US will on imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and other home products next week. , whose chief executive officer has been a of Trump’s trade policy, saw its stock fall about 6% in premarket trading on Friday in New York. The shares of the company, which operates the Restoration Hardware chain, had already declined 46% this year through Thursday.
RH, Wayfair Decline After Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs
The Wayfair Inc. website on a laptop computer arranged in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands, U.S., on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. Wayfair Inc. is scheduled to release earnings figures on February 25.
Office Depot Owner to Be Taken Private for About $1 Billion
, owner of the Office Depot retail chain, is being acquired by private equity firm for about $1 billion. Atlas is paying $28 a share for ODP, according to a on Monday. That represents a 34% premium to ODP’s closing price on Friday. The stock surged in premarket trading on Monday to as much as $27.75. Office Depot has been struggling as more sales of business supplies shift online. The company’s has declined for the last two years and the first two quarters of 2025.
Performance Food, US Foods Agree to Evaluate Possible Deal
Business Logistics Private September 16, 2025 9:58 AM, EDT Potential Combination Would Create Distribution Firm With $100 Billion in Sales (Performance Foodservice) [Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.] Performance Food Group Co. and US Foods Holding Corp. reached an agreement to share information on a potential combination that would create a distribution firm with roughly $100 billion in sales.
Performance Food, US Foods Agree to Evaluate Potential Deal
(Bloomberg) -- Performance Food Group Co. and US Foods Holding Corp. reached an agreement to share information on a potential combination that would create a distribution firm with roughly $100 billion in sales.
How to Hire the Perfect Hotel Robot : 4Hoteliers
The hospitality industry stands at a crossroads. After the COVID-19 pandemic, hotels have battled staffing shortages and high turnover. Today’s workers demand more flexible environments and greater career growth opportunities. Rising wages and economic pressures are squeezing margins, prompting hotel owners to explore innovative solutions to operate more efficiently. This is driving the increasing adoption of a new type of employee: robots.
The Power of Benefits: How Health and Human Services Use Employee Offerings to Compete for Talent
Many rural emergency departments are being run without 24/7 on-site physicians, sparking debate over care quality and access.
UnitedHealth Group shares jump after Buffett, Tepper invest
(Adobe Stock) MT By: Matt Townsend, Bloomberg August 15, 2025 02:50 PM UnitedHealth Group shares jumped after funds piled into the company, which has been hampered by a federal probe into its business practices and weakening results. Health Tech Epic to hype its AI tools at annual user event Here’s what to expect at Epic’s annual event.
UnitedHealth Surges After Buffett, Tepper Bet on Turnaround
UnitedHealth Group Inc. shares jumped after funds piled into the company, which has been hampered by a federal probe into its business practices and weakening results. The investments were a welcome reprieve for a company that had seen its stock fall 46% this year. In premarket trading on Friday, the shares rose 10%, which would be the biggest increase since 2020. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. was among the investors, buying 5 million shares, according to a filing.
UnitedHealth Surges After Buffett, Tepper Bet on Turnaround
shares jumped after funds piled into the company, which has been hampered by a federal into its business practices and weakening results. The investments were a welcome reprieve for a company that had seen its stock fall 46% this year. In premarket trading on Friday, the shares rose 10%, which would be the biggest increase since 2020. ’s was among the investors, 5 million shares, according to a filing. ’s also , boosting its holdings of the health insurance giant by 2.3 million shares. ...
Kenvue, fabricante do Tylenol, demite CEO e avança em revisão estratégica
Bloomberg — A Kenvue informou que o CEO Thibaut Mongon deixará a empresa a fabricante das marcas Tylenol, Neutrogena e Listerine enquanto a companhia continua a reformular sua estratégia. O diretor do conselho Kirk Perry assumirá o cargo de CEO interino, com efeito imediato, informou a Kenvue nesta segunda-feira (14). As ações da Kenvue (KVUE) subiam 2,72% em Nova York por volta das 15h25 (horário de Brasília), . Elas pouco mudaram este ano até sexta-feira.
Kenvue Ousts CEO, Advances Strategic Review in Activist Win (1)
said Chief Executive Officer will leave the company as it continues to revamp the maker of Tylenol, Neutrogena and Listerine brands. Board director will take over as interim CEO, effective immediately, it Monday. Kenvue’s shares rose 4.2% at 9:31 a.m. on Monday in New York. They were little changed this year through Friday.
Kenvue Ousts CEO, Advances Strategic Review in Activist Win
Thibaut Mongon (Bloomberg) -- Kenvue Inc. said Chief Executive Officer Thibaut Mongon will leave the company as it continues to revamp the maker of Tylenol, Neutrogena and Listerine brands.
VF Falls After Vans Owner Rushes Products to US to Beat Tariffs
VF Corp. sunk 12% on Wednesday after forecasting a bigger-than-expected loss and warning investors it was rushing products to the US to beat the 90-day window of tariff pauses from the Trump administration. The owner of brands such as Timberland and Vans sees an operating loss of as much as $125 million for this quarter. Analysts on average expected a loss of $73.1 million.
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