OTHER NEWS - Aug. 13, 1996

Western Resources Increases Stake in ADT: The move by the Topeka, Kan.-based energy company may foreshadow an attempt to block Republic Industries Inc.’s planned acquisition of ADT Ltd., North America’s largest electronic security company. Western Resources Inc. spent $24.5 million to increase its stake to 24% from 23.1%, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It also said it “may determine to oppose” Republic’s bid for ADT but hasn’t made a final decision. Western has told analysts it wants to use ADT’s security services customer list as a marketing springboard for its electricity business. Republic Industries, which is controlled by billionaire H. Wayne Huizenga, last month made a $3.98-billion bid for ADT’s stock and debt. ADT is the nation’s second-largest used-car auction house and also operates a string of used-car reconditioning businesses--two critical pieces of Huizenga’s plan to open a chain of used-car mega-stores.