The quality of private-label goods has improved, making it harder for consumers to discern any difference between a store's brand and a more expensive rival, particularly for commodities such as paper towels or milk.

ECONOMIST: Consumer goods in the recession

With physical mining assets and a solid commodities trading house, Glasenberg is looking to rival the likes of Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Vale.

FORBES: $90B Global Mining Giant Glencore-Xstrata Inches Closer: Deal Depends On Qatar Now