Also

* Microsoft Corp. agreed to extend a key provision of its landmark antitrust settlement by at least two years in response to concerns that the pact was taking too long to put into effect. Microsoft will allow rivals to buy access to key computer code for an additional two years after the settlement is scheduled to expire in November 2007.

* European Union regulators are investigating Germany and Italy for allegedly favoring computer chips made by Intel Corp. when soliciting bids for electronic gear.

* Specialty clothing retailer Wet Seal Inc. has hired a new chief financial officer, Douglas Felderman, who also will serve as senior vice president. Felderman has served as CFO of Factory 2-U Stores Inc. and Strouds Inc.