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A federal grand jury is investigating whether Hudson Foods Inc. tried to hide the extent of potential E. coli bacteria contamination in what eventually became the nation’s biggest meat recall, the government said. . . . Lloyd’s of London was rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s Corp., reflecting the insurance market’s financial strength since the settlement of litigation and refinancing last year. . . . Deere & Co. said it reached a tentative agreement with the United Auto Workers on a new contract that would cover about 9,000 employees at the company’s construction- and farm-equipment plants. . . . U.S. dairy cooperative Land O’Lakes Inc. said it agreed to buy Alpine Lace Brands Inc. for $62 million in cash and assumed debt to boost its cheese sales to delicatessens. . . . Patriot American Hospitality Inc. said it agreed to buy 10 hotels and the hotel management operations of Carnival Hotels & Resorts Inc. for $485 million in cash, securities and assumed debt.