Also

* CanWest Global Communications Corp., based in Winnipeg, Canada, agreed to buy Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., the Toronto-based co-producer of the hit “CSI” television franchise, for $1.96 billion to more than double its specialty TV channels.

* Wayne, N.J.-based Toys R Us Inc. said holiday sales at U.S. toy stores open at least a year rose 4.1%, helped by demand for new video game consoles.