Also. . .

* General Mills Inc. said profit from operations rose 2.2% to $197.9 million, or 68 cents, in line with expectations. Sales rose 4.3% to $1.9 billion, led by demand for its snacks and yogurt.

* Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. said profit rose 28% in its fiscal third quarter to $40.7 million, or 14 cents a share, matching forecasts, as sales grew 25% to $609.5 million.

* Billionaire Paul Allen sold 1.5 million shares of USA Networks Inc. for nearly $31 million last month, according to a regulatory filing.

* British liquor giant Allied Domecq said it has agreed to buy the Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagne makers from Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Inc. for $500 million, betting that small acquisitions offer a safer way to grow than bidding for Seagram.