E-II Holdings Inc., the consumer products company...

E-II Holdings Inc., the consumer products company which last month took a large stake in American Brands Inc., said it will nominate six candidates as American Brands directors. E-II, which is led by Donald Kelly, who organized the $6.2-billion buyout of Beatrice Cos., expects to make the nominations at American Brands’ annual meeting on May 4. As of Dec. 31, E-II held an estimated 4.74% stake in American Brands. The announcement caused American Brands’ shares to rise sharply on the New York Stock Exchange, closing up $4 at $48.50 as speculators bet that E-II’s move is the beginning of a takeover attempt.