DAIMLER WILL SPEND $500 MILLION ON S.C. VAN FACTORY 

Daimler AG plans to spend $500 million to build a Mercedes-Benz van factory in South Carolina, said people familiar with the matter. The move comes after state officials promised tens of millions in grants, property tax abatements and training support. (published 0234 GMT)

 
 
SOMPO JAPAN NIPPONKOA: CONSIDERING BUYING STAKE IN FRANCE'S SCOR 

Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Holdings Inc. said it is considering buying a stake in French reinsurance giant Scor SE, in a deal that could reportedly be worth over $900 million. (published 0043 GMT)

 
 
APPLE PAY STUNG BYLOW-TECHFRAUDSTERS 

Apple Inc.'s new mobile-payment system has been hit by a wave of fraudulent transactions using credit-card data stolen in recent breaches of big retailers, including Home Depot Inc. and Target Corp., people familiar with the matter said. (published 0050 GMT)

 
 
HI SUN TECHNOLOGY 2014 NET PROFIT JUMPS TO HK$397.07 MILLION 

Hi Sun Technology Ltd. posted strong growth for its 2014 net profit thanks to disposal gains and higher revenue. (published 0038 GMT)

 
 
MAN WAH HOLDINGS REPURCHASES HK$32.22 MILLION WORTH OF SHARES ON MARCH 5 

Man Wah Holdings Ltd. repurchased 32.22 million Hong Kong dollars worth of shares in the stock market in a bid to improve returns to shareholders. (published 0017 GMT)

 
 
ELAINE WYNN LAUNCHES BID FOR BOARD SEAT -- 3RD UPDATE 

Wynn Resorts Ltd. co-founder Elaine Wynn has launched a bid for a director's seat, saying she brings an independent and diverse voice to the board. (published 0008 GMT)

 
 
ICEBERG RESEARCH RELEASES RESPONSE TO NOBLE GROUP'S REBUTTAL OF CRITICISM 

Iceberg Research renewed its battle with Singapore-listed commodities trader Noble Group in a note Friday that responds to Noble's earlier defense of its accounting methods. (published 0154 GMT)

 
 
JUAN CARLOS ECHEVERRY TO BE CEO OF ECOPETROL, SOURCES SAY 

Juan Carlos Echeverry, a former finance minister with close ties to the government, was chosen Thursday night as chief executive of Ecopetrol, according to two people with knowledge of the board decision. (published 0219 GMT)