• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "has approved genetically engineered pigs for use in food and medical products," The Verge reports. "The pigs, developed by medical company Revivicor, could be used in the production of drugs, to provide organs and tissues for transplants, and to produce meat that’s safe to eat for people with meat allergies."
According to the story, "The pigs are called GalSafe pigs because they lack a molecule called alpha-gal sugar, which can trigger allergic reactions. Alpha-gal sugar is found in many mammals, but not usually in humans. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), which causes a serious meat allergy, can happen after a bite from a lone star or deer tick. Though it hasn’t been tested specifically for people with AGS yet, the FDA has determined GalSafe pork products are safe for the general population to eat."
• CNBC reports that "Bed Bath & Beyond said Monday that it will sell Cost Plus World Market as it aims to stabilize sales and focus on its core business.
"The home-goods retailer announced that it’s struck an agreement with Los Angeles-based private equity firm, Kingswood Capital Management, which will buy Cost Plus World Market. The sale includes the brand’s 243 brick-and-mortar locations, digital business, two distribution facilities and corporate office."
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
• A new study from Digital.comm has some predictions and observations about the upcoming holiday season: "Consumers are planning to spend $1,298 on gifts for the holidays this year. The median spending amount is $500 … 72.86% of consumers prefer to shop locally to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic … 82.19% are either avoiding shopping locally in-person completely or are doing so less than they’d like to because of COVID-19 … 90.22% of consumers plan on making an effort to shop locally once a vaccine is widely available to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19 … (and) 64.43% of consumers are willing to spend more for a product from a local store instead of online."
• Reuters reports that "Murphy USA Inc said on Monday it would buy family-owned peer QuickChek Corp for $645 million in cash, as the gas station and convenience store operator plans to expand its presence in the New Jersey and New York area."
The deal is expected to close during Q1 2021.
