Aug 28 - Major global firms ranging from banks to chipmakers are taking a largely cautious stance on their China business amid a frail recovery at the world's second-largest economy from a pandemic slowdown.
Estee The luxury firmLauder forecast a weak annual profit, owing to a slower-than-expected rebound in Asia travel retail business. Haleon The Sensodyne maker said sales from Fenbid pain reliever gel doubled in China in the first half. Starbucks The coffeehouse chain saw a sharp recovery in China, with third-quarter comparable sales surging 46%. Merck & Co The drugmaker said use of Gardasil in China was the biggest growth driver for the human papillomavirus vaccine. Marriott The U.S. hotel operator said rebounding demand in China International boosted its earnings.