International Business

New York -- American Realty Capital Properties has acquired Cole Real Estate Investments for $11.2 billion, creating the world’s largest net lease real estate investment trust, with an enterprise value of $21.5 billion.

ARCP has secured $2.75 billion in fully committed financing from Barclays. The loan is expected to close in the first half of next year.

Updated ARCP pro forma 2014 guidance indicates that adjusted funds from operations will move from $1.13 to $1.19 per share, compared with 2013 guidance of $0.91 to $0.95 per share.

Wolverine Worldwide has appointed Frank Annunziata as VP and general manager of Sebago. Annunziata will be responsible for further developing the brand's global growth platform of footwear, apparel and accessories, and will report to Ted Gedra, president of the company's Heritage Group.

Carlisle, Pa. -- Ahold USA announced that Gordon Reid will join the company’s Giant-Landover division as president, effective Nov. 4. He most recently served as group director for commercial services for Dairy Farm International, which operates more than 5,600 retail outlets throughout Asia.

Reid replaces Bhavdeep Singh, who has served as interim president since September. Singh continues to serve as executive VP, operations, Ahold USA.

Blue Nile, a leading online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, experienced its sixth consecutive quarter of double digit growth.

Net sales increased 10.1% to $98.9 million for the third quarter, compared to $89.8 million for the year-ago quarter.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has given Office Max and Office Depot clearance to proceed with their proposed merger. The companies anticipate completing the transaction after market close on Nov. 5, subject to the satisfaction of remaining closing conditions.

Ahold USA has appointed former executive for Asian retailer Dairy Farm International Gordon Reid as president of its Giant Food of Landover, Md., division.

Reid is replacing interim president and Ahold USA EVP operations Bhavdeep Singh. Singh served in the role of interim president following the departure of Anthony Hucker, who resigned from Giant-Landover in September to become EVP and chief strategy officer for St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets.

Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced at the SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit that three suppliers have made new domestic manufacturing commitments that will create 385 jobs.

The move is part of the retailer’s previously announced pledge to buy an additional $50 billion in U.S.-made products over the next decade.

Walmart said that Elan-Polo, Louis Hornick & Company and EveryWare Global will produce footwear, curtains and glassware, respectively.

Washington, D.C. -- Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced at the SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit on Thursday that three suppliers have made new domestic manufacturing commitments that will create 385 jobs. The move is part of the retailer’s previously announced pledge to buy an additional $50 billion in U.S.-made products over the next decade.

Walmart said that Elan-Polo, Louis Hornick & Company and EveryWare Global will produce footwear, curtains and glassware, respectively.