Also

* Global sales of semiconductors rose 2.9% in July from June and 10.5% from a year ago, pointing toward a stronger recovery from the industry’s worst downturn, a trade group said.

* Microsoft Corp., EBay Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and other companies involved in doing business on the Internet plan to form a coalition to develop ways to fight online identity theft. Others joining the effort include Visa International’s Visa USA, VeriSign Inc. and Network Associates Inc.

* Personal-care products maker Helen of Troy Ltd. said it agreed to buy the Brut line of men’s deodorant in the Americas from Unilever for $55 million. Helen of Troy, based in El Paso, said it expects the deal to close late this year.