spinoff

In order to avoid new federal rules and heightened scrutiny from regulators, MetLife has decided to sell its banking unit. That's a smart move for the nation's largest life insurer, and keeps it on a level playing field with its competitors.

Wendy's/Arby's Group, the third-largest U.S. fast food company, said Thursday it is considering selling the Arby's chain to focus on the Wendy's brand. Arby's is the second-largest quick-service sandwich chain in the U.S., but its performance lagged behind Wendy's during the downturn.

Nokia (NOK) shares dipped slightly in premarket trading on speculation that its joint venture with Siemens AG would make a bid for Motorola's networking equipment division. Nokia Siemens Networks is considering a $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion bid for the Motorola unit, as a means to bolster its...