Davos

Reports from the ultra-elite Swiss meeting show that CEOs are far more optimistic than they've been for years. Considering their cash hoards, an M&A wave is likely. But they're unmoved by the idea that they should create societal value.

Just a year ago, private equity was frozen amid fear that the global economic system would fall into the abyss. While the world avoided that worst-case scenario and growth hasn't exactly roared back, the world economy is perking up -- and so is dealmaking.

Attempting to set a socially-responsible tone, the organizers of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland have announced that participants cannot use limousines, SUVs, or other gas guzzlers at the conference. Unless they happen to be government leaders. Or regular government officials. And,...