DuPont (DD.N) repelled a board challenge from activist investor Nelson Peltz on Wednesday, dealing him a surprising blow after shareholders backed all 12 directors nominated by the U.S. chemical conglomerate's management.

Activist investor Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management has called for a break up of DuPont (DD.N), arguing that the diversified chemicals company's overly complex and bloated corporate structure overburdens its seven business lines, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn has sold his entire stake in Family Dollar Stores Inc (FDO.N), making a profit of about $200 million on the investment, according to sources familiar with the matter on Wednesday.

Illinois-based snack company Mondelez International Inc has entered an agreement to sell a controlling stake in its cookie and cracker business, SnackWell's, to Connecticut-based private equity firm Brynwood Partners for an undisclosed amount.

Trian Fund Management LP, an alternative investment fund, had put its stake in State Street Corp up for sale. It sold 1.86 million shares worth USD121.5 million. Trian Fund was founded by activist investor Nelson Peltz.

Trian Fund Management LP's CEO, Nelson Peltz said that PepsiCo should buy Mondelez for around US$67.8 billion in an all-stock deal.

Peltz's Train Fund exploring possibilities in the snack food business. Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management bought US$3. 7 billion shares from Mondelez International and PepsiCo, according to sources that have knowledge of the investment.