Bloomberg The European Commission is expected to block a plan by Siemens AG and Alstom SA to merge their rail units over concerns that the deal betw-een two rivals would stifle competition in the region’s train-equipment market, according to people familiar with the matter. Proposed concessions aimed at allaying EU objections — plus a last-minute lobbying campaign from politicians warning ...

Bloomberg A US privacy investigation of Facebook Inc, begun after a major data breach was exposed in March, is likely to result in a record fine against the company, according to a person familiar with the matter. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s chief privacy watchdog, is weighing a penalty against the social-media giant for violating a 2011 settlement with ...

Bloomberg Microsoft Corp said it will spend $500 million to develop affordable housing and help alleviate homelessness in the Seattle area, responding to a growing regional housing crisis that has strained the finances of many lower- and middle-income residents. Half the money will be spent to support low-income housing across King County with a further $225 million invested at lower ...