Also . . .

* Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. agreed to sell its 74 stores in Texas and Oklahoma to No. 1 U.S. grocer Kroger Co. for an undisclosed amount of cash to focus on the Southeast. Kroger said the purchase will strengthen its position in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and help it expand in other markets. Kroger, which also operates Ralphs and several other chains, already has 171 stores in Texas and Oklahoma.

* Anheuser-Busch Cos. said that under a licensing agreement, its joint-venture partner Kirin Brewery Co. will assume full responsibility for the sale and production of Budweiser beer in Japan. Terms were not disclosed. The agreement, to take effect in January, will enable Anheuser-Busch to cut costs and expand distribution. Tokyo-based Kirin, which is Japan’s largest brewer, produces 60% of all Budweiser beer in Japan.

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