Stocks opened lower, weighed down by AIG after the insurer posted dismal earnings.

Stocks opened lower, weighed down by AIG after the insurer posted dismal earnings.

A New York state judge said Wednesday a dispute over financing the $20 billion buyout of Clear Channel Communications would go to trial on a breach of contract claim filed against six banks, according to a court filing.

A New York state judge on Thursday made no immediate ruling on a group of banks' request to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to force them to fund the $20 billion leveraged buyout of Clear Channel Communications.

Alliance Data Systems said Friday it terminated a $6.76 billion sale to Blackstone Group affiliates and has sued to win a $170 million business interruption payment.

Merger and acquisition activity has hit the brakes, along with much of the rest of the economy, but it's a long way from stopping completely. 

Radio broadcaster Clear Channel Communications said Friday its pending acquisition by several private equity firms may not close, even though the firms are ready to consummate the deal.

Stocks retreated Thursday after another analyst warning on the financial sector and disappointing earnings from Oracle.

Stocks retreated Thursday after another analyst warning on the financial sector and disappointing earnings from Oracle.

Stocks retreated Thursday after another analyst warning on the financial sector and disappointing earnings from Oracle.

Clear Channel Communications said on Thursday it had won a ruling from a Texas judge that may advance its efforts to force banks to finance a $20 billion buyout of the U.S. radio operator.

Stocks fell to session lows Wednesday amid a resurgence in oil prices and after one analyst said there was no end in sight to the decline in bank profits.

The buyout of Clear Channel Communications for nearly $20 billion was near collapse because of a disagreement over financing, a source says.