Feb 23 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
Headlines
Sysco to buy Brakes Group of the UK for $3.1 bln
(http://on.ft.com/1oDYtk3)
Sainsbury has until March 18 on Home Retail offer
(http://on.ft.com/1RjtJxL)
BHP Billiton slashes dividend as profits slide
(http://on.ft.com/1RXUQRp)
Overview
Sysco Corp (N:SYY) SYY.N , the largest U.S. food distributor, said it would buy London-based food distributor Brakes Group from Bain Capital Private Equity in a deal valued at about $3.1 billion to strengthen its presence in Europe.
British supermarket operator Sainsbury SBRY.L has been given more time to make a firm bid for Argos-owner Home Retail HOME.L , after a possible higher rival offer from South African group Steinhoff International SHFFp.J emerged on Friday. Home Retail said on Monday the Takeover Panel watchdog had extended Tuesday's deadline for Sainsbury to formalise its takeover proposal to March 18, the same date as for Steinhoff to make a firm bid or walk away.
Top global miner BHP Billiton BHP.AX BLT.L slashed its interim dividend by 75 percent on Tuesday, cutting it for the first time since 1988 following a collapse in prices for oil, iron ore, coal and other raw materials.