International: Jan. 5, 2001

Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is forming a Japanese subsidiary and will open its first store in Japan as early as next year, according to a wire-service report; both Carrefour of France and the U.S.’s Costco Inc. recently opened Tokyo-area stores; Wal-Mart declined comment on the story...Paris-based LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton has acquired 5 percent of Italian eyewear manufacturer De Rigo for approximately $16.7 million; De Rigo, which currently makes Celine and Loewe eyewear under license for LVMH, also makes Fila, Police and Sting eyewear.