RESTAURANTS

Foodmaker to Pay $1.45 Million to Settle FTC Charges: Foodmaker Inc. agreed to pay that amount to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated antitrust laws by not seeking government approval when its Chi-Chi’s unit bought its largest franchisee, Consul Inc. The settlement is substantial for the San Diego-based parent of the Jack in the Box fast-food chain; its third-quarter earnings were $5.52 million. Foodmaker admitted no wrongdoing in the settlement and said the fine shouldn’t affect earnings estimates because it has set aside funds to pay it. The FTC said the penalty was the maximum Foodmaker could afford without violating outstanding loan commitments, which would force the company to default. Its shares rose 37.5 cents to $8.75 on the New York Stock Exchange.