Also

* America Online Inc. said it posted a software fix for an instant-messaging flaw that allows members to send messages that overload and crash other users’ computer systems. The technique, called “punting,” lets users send dense text and information that freezes and crashes recipients’ computer systems. The problem is not widespread, and the company’s new AOL 4.0 version software remedies it, the online service said.

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* Kellogg Co. agreed to buy convenience foods manufacturing plant in Malaysia to make Rice Krispies Treats and possibly other foods for Southeast Asian markets. Terms were not disclosed.

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* American Stores Co. said its fiscal second-quarter earnings slipped 2% to $88.2 million, or 32 cents a diluted share, a penny higher than estimates, as sales rose 3.9% to $4.95 billion. The operator of Lucky supermarkets, Sav-on drug and other chains said profit margins were hurt by higher spending on promotional campaigns. Sales at stores open at least a year rose 1.8% overall while growing 18.4% at its drugstores.

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* Republic Industries Inc., retailer of cars and trucks, said its board authorized the repurchase of as much as $500 million in common stock, or about 5.8% of its shares, to boost its lagging stock price. Republic, which is led by billionaire Wayne Huizenga, said the shares will be repurchased during the next 12 months. Republic shares rose 56 cents to close at $18.69 on the NYSE.