BIGGER BITE

Fidelity Investments, the largest U.S. mutual fund company, raised its stake in Apple Computer Inc. to 12.29% from 5.75% of outstanding shares.

The Boston-based fund company held 16.7 million common shares as of July 31, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. That includes $69.9 million in debt that can be converted into 2.4 million common shares.

Fidelity on March 31 reported holding 7.6 million shares, or a 5.75% Apple stake, according to SEC data compiled by Technimetrics Inc., a New York-based company that tracks institutional share holdings. The March report was the last time Fidelity disclosed its stake in Apple.

Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple, the world’s ninth-largest computer maker, designs, produces and markets personal computers and related products.

Fidelity is controlled by FMR Corp., which is headed by Chairman and Chief Executive Edward C. Johnson III.

Apple shares rose $1.44 on Monday to close at $37.94 on Nasdaq. Share prices have almost tripled since Apple traded at $12.75 on Dec. 30.