Business News from

In an all-stock transaction worth $661 million, Spectrum Brands Inc., an Atlanta consumer products company with operations in Madison, will buy Russell Hobbs Inc., owner of home appliances sold under the George Foreman and Black & Decker brands.

Build-A-Bear will expand its offerings to DVDs, accessories, apparel, books and other branded merchandise under a new licensing agreement with A Squared (A2) Entertainment in Los Angeles. (BBW)

The Coca-Cola Co.’s profit rose 18 percent in 2009, benefiting from growth in markets outside of North America and Europe. (KO)

More online buyers opted for discounted merchandise in January year over year, according to a report released Tuesday by MyBuys Inc.

After popping champagne corks over their best December ever, online retailers faced a bleak hangover in January, according to a report on e-commerce spending.

Botnet "zombie" production in the U.S. dropped significantly from 13.1 percent in the third quarter to 9.5 percent in the fourth, making China the top zombie-producing country at 12 percent, according to a report released Tuesday. (NFE)

Former Intel Corp. executive Rajiv Goel on Monday became the 10th person to plead guilty to charges in connection with what prosecutors have called the biggest insider trading investigation in U.S. history. (INTC)

A federal judge has approved a $56 million settlement involving the former treasurer of Interstate Bakeries Corp.