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The Swedish telecoms group says it may have made indirect payments to Islamist militants in Iraq. That’s way worse than the brown envelopes it sent in places like Vietnam that cost $1 bln in fines. Besides harsher U.S. penalties, Ericsson may find life tougher in its key market.

Craig Billings, the $11 bln casino group’s third boss in four years, could use a growth engine. A long slog awaits in Macau even as the mature Las Vegas market rebounds. Rival Sands found success in Singapore. The odds are longer for Wynn’s push into online betting and the UAE.

The $77 bln commodity giant has set aside $1.5 bln to settle graft probes. That’s better than feared. And an improving valuation suggests investors are less bothered about its desire to stick with coal. But the mineral remains sufficiently controversial to check further upside.

Xpeng is introducing its battery-powered brand to two more countries on the continent; Nio is close behind. There are no shortcuts from Shanghai to Stockholm, and competing with $900 bln Tesla will be tough. But an asset-light strategy limits the financial fallout if they fail.

Australian prosecutors dropped criminal charges against Citi and Deutsche Bank over a 2015 share sale for lender ANZ. The lawsuit smacked of overreach and was dragging on too long. It also bared unsavoury investment-banking practices. There are lessons to learn for all involved.

Carmaker Vinfast is going all-electric and aims to sell overseas. The strategy combines conglomerate power through parent Vingroup with potential for a faster-than-expected shift to new energy vehicles in Southeast Asia. It maps a decent drive to a mooted $3 bln U.S. listing.

The wind turbine maker has ousted its second CEO in two years. As another German, Jochen Eickholt may get a frosty reception from Spanish bits of the firm. Parent Siemens Energy won’t mind. The longer Gamesa’s woes drag on, the easier it will be to buy out minority investors.

Former premier Silvio Berlusconi abandoned a divisive bid to become the country’s president. The absence of decent alternatives favours Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s ascent. If he makes the switch, however, Italy could have another ineffective government or face early elections.

The former Goldmanites SPAC is merging with Allwyn, implying an $8 bln market cap for the European lottery operator. Theres a novel twist: Bonus shares will go to owners who dont redeem their stock. It should help an already sensible-looking bet get over a common SPAC hurdle.

The Balkan state nixed the $120 bln miner’s lithium project on environmental grounds. A looming election and spat over tennis ace Novak Djokovic didn’t help. Belgrade’s status as an investment destination is at stake. So are European hopes for reliable local battery ingredients.