Bloomberg French utility Engie SA is closing in on an agreement with Algeria for an increase in imports of natural gas, a deal that could come after an official visit to the country by President Emmanue Macron. “Diplomatic negotiations are ongoing,” government spokesman Olivier Veran said on BFM TV, adding that an announcement could come shortly. Europe 1 radio first …

  Bloomberg Walmart Inc plans to take Massmart Holdings Ltd. private and will promote the unit’s chief operating officer to head of the company as it prepares to renew its focus on South Africa. The global retail giant plans to buy all of the shares it doesn’t already own of Massmart for 62 rand ($3.65) apiece, a 53% premium to …

  Bloomberg Australian retailers powered further ahead in July, suggesting cashed-up households are coping well with rapid interest-rate increases. Sales advanced 1.3%, easily exceeding economists’ forecasts for a 0.3% gain, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said in a statement on Monday. The gain was the largest in four months. “Turnover rose in five of the six retail industries,” said Ben …