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Providian Financial Corp. directors are accused in a lawsuit of breaching fiduciary duties by encouraging investment in a 401(k) retirement plan that prevents employees from selling their stock in the credit card issuer.

Palm Inc. said it will appeal the decision by a federal judge who ruled Thursday that the handwriting-recognition software on some of its hand-held computers infringes a Xerox Corp. patent.

CaterpillarInc. said it will eliminate more than 900 jobs by closing a plant in Britain that employs 520 people and offering early retirement to some U.S. workers.

AutoNation Inc. said it will stop financing loans for its customers as it focuses on operating car dealerships.

LennarCorp. bought Fortress GroupInc.’s home-building operations in North and South Carolina for $20 million in cash as part of its strategy to expand in fast-growing areas along the eastern seaboard. Miami-based Lennar also will assume about $30 million in debt.