Corporate Governance

Smashburger is getting on the right track when it comes to reducing its energy use. The fast-casual, fast-growing better-burger eatery has deployed a Web-based energy management system that helps it identify energy cost-savings while also providing a consistent level of comfort.

New York - Barnes & Noble Inc. plans to spin off its Nook e-reader unit as a separately traded public company from its retail operation by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The retailer made this decision as its consolidated net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 shrank from $114.8 million to $36.7 million, missing Wall Street estimates.

The bad weather that hurt Bed Bath & Beyond during the fourth quarter may have abated, but the company’s sales still grew at a slower than expected pace during the first quarter and caused profits to come in toward the low end of expectations.

Toronto – New research from loyalty currency management provider Points shows that offering points and miles for everyday purchases is the most effective means of driving consumer loyalty. Points surveyed more than 1,500 loyalty program members from across North America and found that 83% earn points and miles on everyday purchases.

Oak Brook, Ill. — Inland Diversified Real Estate Trust stockholders have voted overwhelmingly to approve the previously announced merger with Kite Realty Group Trust. Assuming all conditions to closing the merger have been satisfied, it is expected to close on or after July 1, 2014.

HanesBrands plans to acquire DBApparel of France from Sun Capital Partners, provided consultation with European and French works councils representing DBA employees is completed and customary closing conditions are met.

San Francisco -- PBteen, a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands, opens a store at Tysons Corner Center in McLean, Virginia, on June 27. This will be the 17th PBteen location and the second combined Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and PBteen store in the U.S.

Former Walmart CEO Lee Scott is among four new members of board of directors at Yahoo, a company whose CEO Marissa Mayer serves on the Walmart board.