Also

* AOL Time Warner Inc.’s HBO cable arm said it was launching a theatrical film distribution unit that would work with the parent company’s existing Fine Line Features. Dennis O’Connor, previously head of marketing for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.’s United Artists unit, joined HBO as chief of theatrical distribution, HBO said. O’Connor will report to HBO Films President Colin Callender.

* Amgen Inc.’s arthritis medicine Enbrel has been approved to treat a rare spinal disease called ankylosing spondylitis that causes back and neck pain, the Food and Drug Administration said.

* Western Digital Corp., a Lake Forest computer disk-drive maker, said it received Bankruptcy Court approval to acquire computer component maker Read-Rite Corp. of Fremont, Calif., for about $95.4 million in cash.

* A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission judge approved a settlement that clears Avista Corp. of allegations that the Spokane, Wash., utility owner helped Enron Corp. manipulate prices in California.

* Yum Brands Inc., which operates Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants, named a health officer as the fast-food industry comes under increasing attack over the nutritional content of its products.

* The House overwhelmingly approved free-trade agreements with Chile and Singapore, the first the United States has struck with countries in South America and Asia. Senate approval is expected next week.

* The United States gave final approval to steep import duties on catfish from Vietnam after finding that Asian fish imports posed a material threat to U.S. producers.