Business Briefing

Nokia, Intel join forces on software

Nokia Corp. and Intel Corp. said they’re combining the software they’ve each been developing for smart phones, tablet computers and other Internet-connected devices.

The world’s largest maker of phones and the world’s largest maker of computer chips believe that together they have a better chance of competing in a crowded field of software systems that each hope to be as ubiquitous in mobile devices as Windows is on PCs.

The new software, to be released in the second quarter, will be called MeeGo.

It will supersede Nokia’s Maemo, used in a few high-end phones, and Intel’s Moblin, which it has been developing with an aim to get its own chips into phones and somewhat larger, tablet-like “mobile Internet devices.”

HOUSING

Pulte Homes founder to retire

Pulte Homes, the nation’s largest home builder, says founder William J. Pulte will retire from the company and its board at the end of March after 60 years in the business.

Pulte’s board seat won’t be filled, reducing it to 11 members.

The Michigan builder says Pulte was 18 in 1950 when he started construction on his first house.

AUTOMOTIVE

Indian carmaker gets new CEO

Carl-Peter Forster will take over as group chief executive officer of India’s Tata Motors, with responsibility for all global operations, including the troubled Jaguar and Land Rover brands, the company said.

Forster, 55, was most recently the head of General Motors in Europe, looking after Opel/Vauxhall, Saab and Chevrolet’s European operations.

DRUGS

Botox may help limit migraines

Allergan Inc.’s Botox, given in the doses used to reduce facial wrinkles, may stop certain kinds of migraines that patients describe as crushing or “eye-popping” more than other types, a study found.

Patients reported their migraines were reduced to fewer than one day a month from almost seven, according to a study of 18 people published in the Archives of Dermatology.

-- times wire reports