Bloomberg Boeing Co. is pitching some of the largest US airlines on a potential upgrade of its smallest 737 Max as it battles Airbus Group SE and Bombardier Inc. for lucrative single-aisle jet orders, people familiar with the matter said. The US planemaker is studying a potential redesign that would lengthen the frame and range for the 737 Max …

  Bloomberg United Continental Holdings Inc.’s first-quarter profit exceeded analysts’ estimates as tumbling oil prices handed the carrier a break on fuel costs. Adjusted earnings fell to $1.23 a share, the airline said in a statement. That topped the $1.18 average of 15 estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Sales declined 4.8 percent to $8.2 billion, matching analysts’ expectations. The Chicago-based carrier …

  JOHANNESBURG / Reuters South Africa’s Steinhoff has increased its stake in Darty to 20.4 percent, it announced after a frantic bidding war with French rival Fnac for Europe’s third-largest electric goods retailer. Five new offers in less than 24 hours lifted Darty shares by more than 23 percent this week to their highest since the end of 2010 and …