Bill may threaten joint ventures: lawyer

PROPOSED legislation that will criminalise cartel behaviour could put hundreds of companies involved in joint ventures at risk of breaking the law and expose them to hefty liabilities including jail terms.

CSL breaks bid to avoid bad blood in US

CSL chief executive Brian McNamee has terminated his contentious $US3.1 billion ($A3.9 billion) attempt to take over US rival Talecris Biotherapeutics but aims to use the company's robust balance sheet to make other acquisitions.