GE close to selling private equity lender to Canada pension fund

Reuters: General Electric Co. is near a deal to sell its private equity lending unit to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, a person familiar with the matter said, as the conglomerate takes a big step in a planned massive pullback from its finance operations. The deal with the CPPIB, Canada’s biggest pension fund, is expected to include GE’s Antares Capital business, a middle-market lender for private equity- backed transactions.

Syngenta rejects second takeover approach from Monsanto

The New York Times: The agricultural and chemical giant Syngenta said Monday that it had rejected a second takeover approach from Monsanto, its American rival. Syngenta of Switzerland said it received another letter from Monsanto on Saturday, essentially repeating its prior offer to acquire the company for about $45 billion. Syngenta rejected a takeover bid by Monsanto in May, in part citing potential regulatory concerns.

Alibaba’s Jack Ma visiting U.S. to lure businesses into China

Bloomberg: Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Chairman Jack Ma will visit New York and Chicago this week, seeking to pitch China’s middle class as a growth opportunity for American business and his e-commerce company. Ma is looking for revenue beyond China, where the nation’s economy is projected to grow at its slowest pace since 1990.