STOCKS NEWS US-Blackstone may launch fund for struggling firms

Stocks on the move [HOT-RTRS] Real-Time Equity news [U E]
U.S. stock market report [.N]

0732 ET 02April2009-Blackstone may launch fund for struggling companies
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Alternative asset manager Blackstone Group is trying to roll out a
new fund geared toward providing financing for struggling companies, according
to a report in the New York Post. [nBNG22954]
The company is hoping to raise as much as $3 billion for the fund, which
would provide financing to cash-strapped entities in or on the verge of
bankruptcy, the paper wrote.
Shares closed Wednesday at $7.33.
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net

0713 ET 02April2009-Changyou.com prices IPO at top end of range
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Chinese online gaming company Changyou.com on Thursday priced its
$120 million initial public offering at the top of its indicated range. It will
begin trading later on Thursday. [nBNG493707]
Changyou.com is the first company to make an IPO on the Nasdaq since
November.
The company priced 7.5 million American Depositary Shares at $16 per share,
the top of a $14 to $16 range.
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net

0709 ET 02April2009-Costco to close Costco Home stores
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Retailer Costco Wholesale on Thursday said it plans to close two
of its Costco Home stores because of the economic slowdown and weakness in the
home furnishings business.
The retailer sees no layoffs or impact on its operations as a result of the
closures. [nBNG503396]
Shares closed Wednesday at $46.35.
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net

0705 ET 02April2009-Economic indicators for April 2
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Economic indicators on tap for Thursday include weekly initial and
continuing jobless claims, February durable goods data and February factory
orders data.
For details, see [ECI/US]
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net

0701 ET 02April2009-Earnings diary for April 2
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Companies scheduled to report quarterly results on Thursday include: Micron
Tech , Monsanto Co , MSCI Inc , A. Schulman ,
CarMax Inc , Cascade Corp and Rite Aid Corp .
For details, see [RESF/US]
Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
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