Also

* Mirant Corp., the biggest North American natural-gas trader, said 2002 profit will be below its previous forecast because energy trading was hurt by an industry credit crunch and declining electricity and gas prices. Per-share profit will be about $1.40, below $1.60 to $1.70 projected previously, Chief Executive Marce Fuller said.

* Micro Therapeutics Inc. of Irvine agreed to buy Germany-based Dendron for as much as $40 million in cash, gaining a maker of products used to treat brain aneurysms. The medical-devices maker will pay $25 million in cash when the purchase closes and may pay an additional $15 million based on whether Dendron’s products reach sales targets, Micro Therapeutics said.