Dale Earnhardt Jr., the auto racing star. won’t have Anheuser-Busch Co.’s (BUD) Budweiser beer as a sponsor when he joins Hendrick Motorsports next season because of the team’s existing agreements. Existing contractual obligations in place for the 2008 Nascar Sprint Cup season prevent the team from establishing a relationship with Budweiser.

Energizer

The Energizer Bunny is taking on feminine-care products, wet wipes and sippy cups. Energizer Holdings Inc. (ENR) will buy Playtex Products Inc. (PYX) for $1.16 billion as the company expands its portfolio of personal care products. The announcement was a surprise to some analysts, much like the 2003 deal when Energizer purchased Schick-Wilkinson Sword.