Pending home sales showed a notable increase in the month of July, according to a report released by the National Association of Realtors on Thursday, with the increase coming on the heels of sharp drops in the months following the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit. NAR said its pending home sales index rose by 5.2 percent in July following a revised 2.8 percent decrease in June and a more substantial 29.9 percent drop in May.

Confirming market speculations, Burger King Holdings Inc., which became public in 2006, Thursday announced an acquisition deal with New York-based private equity firm 3G Capital. Under the deal, affiliates of 3G Capital will acquire the burger chain's shares for $24 per share or $4 billion, including the assumption of its debt. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this calendar year. Burger King's shares are currently trading up over 23% on the NYSE.

Off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions TJX Companies, Inc. announced Thursday that sales for the month of August at store locations open at least for a year increased, but fell short of analysts' estimates. Sales for the month also grew from last year. Ross Stores, Inc. reported an increase in comparable store sales, while it stayed flat at Dillard's.