Odyssey Partners sweetened its tender offer for...

Odyssey Partners sweetened its tender offer for J. P. Stevens & Co. to $1.14 billion, or $64 for each of Stevens’ 17.8 million shares outstanding, up from the $61.50 a share. But analysts predicted further bidding in the battle for the textile giant. West Point-Pepperell Inc., which has made a $1.1-billion bid for Stevens, is expected to compete fiercely for the crown jewels--three state-of-the-art factories and licenses for hot designer labels that lure consumers around the world to Stevens’ quality sheets and towels. In New York Stock Exchange trading, Stevens closed up $1.25 to $64.75 a share.