Briefs: UAW locals vote for Ford contract

DETROIT -- United Auto Workers locals in Michigan and Illinois overwhelmingly approved a new contract with Ford Motor Co., the local union presidents said Friday. About 75 percent of the 900 union members at Local 588 at a Chicago stamping plant were in favor. Dozens of locals at plants across the country are voting on the pact through the weekend.

McDonald's eyes new breakfast food

OAK BROOK -- McDonald's Corp. will introduce its first new breakfast sandwich since 2003, the McSkillet Burrito, to increase sales and blunt efforts by Burger King Holdings Inc. and Wendy's International Inc. Oak Brook-based McDonald's 13,800 U.S. restaurants will start selling the burrito by late November, spokeswoman Danya Proud said Friday. Its price may range from $2.39 to $2.59, she said.

Kraft, Danone deal approved by EU

NORTHFIELD -- The European Union cleared Northfield-based Kraft's proposed $7.8 billion acquisition of Groupe Danone SA's cookie and cereal snack division provided that some units in Spain and Hungary are sold. EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said she was satisfied that competition "will remain vigorous" after the deal that would give Kraft Foods Inc. a greater market share in the 27-nation bloc.

FTD CEO will be chairman

DOWNERS GROVE -- FTD Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Soenen said Friday he intends to resign as CEO but will take on the roles of chairman and interim CEO until a replacement chief executive is chosen. The announcement came as the Downers Grove-based firm announced profits in the latest quarter rose 50 percent to $8.16 million, on sales of $123.7 million, up 14 percent. The flowers, gourmet food and gift basket delivery service also backed its previous forecast that it will reach $645 million in sales by its June 2008 fiscal year end.