Also

* Microsoft Corp., whose MSN is the No. 2 U.S. Internet service, is building its own programs for searching the Web to rival Google Inc.’s popular service.

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* General Electric Co., which last year began selling security equipment, said it acquired Irvine-based Monitoring Automation Systems, a closely held maker of software used to run surveillance and monitoring systems for businesses. Terms weren’t disclosed.

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* A subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee plans hearings in July that will look at how mortgage financier Freddie Mac may have violated Financial Accounting Standards Board rules on derivatives.

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* Sentencing hearings this summer for two former Enron Corp. executives who have pleaded guilty to various charges have been postponed until next year. Michael Kopper, 38, is now set for sentencing Feb. 27. Larry Lawyer, 35, is now scheduled to be sentenced March 8.