Also

* Gypsum manufacturer BPB of Britain agreed to buy the U.S. wallboard business of James Hardie Industries of Australia for $345 million to become the No. 1 maker of plasterboard.

* Federal aviation regulators are seeking penalties of nearly $1.2 million against AMR Corp.’s American Airlines and American Eagle for failing to check engine oil levels and other safety violations.

* The U.S. government will extend by 60 days the emergency insurance for airlines that was introduced shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks.

* California investor Joseph Harrosh acquired a 5.6% stake in New York-based Loral Space & Communications Ltd.