(Reuters) - British insurer Aviva has reached an agreement to buy smaller rival Direct Line in a 3.7 billion pound ($4.65 billion) cash-and-stock deal, the companies said on Monday, creating the UK's largest home and motor insurer. Aviva and Direct Line had reached a preliminary agreement in early December. Aviva had until Christmas Day to make a formal offer or...

TOKYO (Reuters) - Former Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn cast doubt on the success of a potential merger between Honda and Nissan, saying the latter's plans do not make sense at a press conference on Monday. Honda and Nissan are expected to announce the start of business integration talks, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as the carmakers...

LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Meaghan Dorman's five New York bars look just as full as they always do in December - packed with couples on dates, holiday get-togethers and business meet ups. But when takings are counted, it's clear that customers are spending less.  Dorman, bar director and partner of Raines Law Room and Dear Irving bars, each with multiple...

* US drinkers spending less on expensive cocktails amid high inflation, bar owners say * Wholesaler sales of spirits expected to decline nearly 6% this year, trade group says * Trend poses challenge to liquor companies such as Pernod, Diageo ( DEO ) By Emma Rumney, Jessica DiNapoli LONDON/NEW YORK, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Meaghan Dorman's five New York bars...