Also . . .

* Reliance Group Holdings Inc., the troubled insurer controlled by financier Saul Steinberg, said it has agreed in principle to sell its accident and health business to Combined Insurance Co. of America, a unit of Aon Corp. The sale, for a price to be negotiated, continues the dismantling of the New York insurer, which has said it probably won’t be able to repay $735.1 million in debt due at the end of the month and may seek bankruptcy protection.

* Harcourt General Inc. said earnings rose 38% in its fiscal third quarter to $163.7 million, or $2.22 a share, far exceeding the $1.89 analysts expected. The company said early textbook sales to schools boosted the latest quarter but will result in lower-than-expected profit in its fourth quarter. Revenue rose 26% to $871.2 million.

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