Business News

Kmart Corp. complained to a court Monday that its partner in an auto servicing business defrauded it and violated a contract by closing down 563 servicing centers with 4,000 employees.

Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc., one of the nation's oldest and largest investment firms, was ordered Monday to reform its business practices following accusations it gave advice that hurt clients but enriched the company.

A Delaware state judge ruled Monday that Hewlett-Packard Co. director Walter Hewlett can try to block the company's $19 billion merger with Compaq Computer Corp.

May Department Stores Co. plans to open more than 200 new stores by the end of 2006, pouring billions of dollars into expansion as the St. Louis-based retailer and its counterparts bid to counter the popularity of discounters.

Sabre Holdings Corp. said Monday that it now has enough shares to take full control of Travelocity.com Inc. and expects to complete its $420 million takeover of the Internet company Thursday.

The nation's community colleges are facing cuts in programs and faculty combined with tuition and fee hikes as states struggle with budget shortfalls.

Executives of one of Kmart Corp.'s business partners say the financially troubled retailer may close as many as 700 more stores nationwide on top of the nearly 300 closings announced last month, according to court papers made public Monday.

Alaska Airlines was the highest-ranked of 11 airlines in 2001, according to a study by Brent Bowen of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Dean Headley of Wichita State University.