Briefs: Sears' Lampert goes on defense

HOFFMAN ESTATES -- Sears Holdings Corp. Chairman Edward Lampert criticized media coverage of his company and Wall Street commentary in a letter to employees Friday, a day after the retailer said its profit plummeted 99 percent in the third quarter. "While we were not pleased with these results, much of the commentary in the media and on Wall Street following the results ignores the strength of our company and the progress that we have made," Lampert wrote. He said Sears has reduced its overall debt, invested more than $1 billion on capital expenditures and repurchased more than $3 billion in Sears stock, among other accomplishments.

United booking hit by glitch

CHICAGO -- United Airlines suffered a computer problem Friday that delayed check-ins and reservations, the airline said. The airline said on its Web site that most of its flights were departing on time but it advised travelers to arrive at airports an hour earlier than normal. An airline spokesman said later Friday the problem had been resolved.

Goodyear offers to exchange tires

AKRON, Ohio -- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. offered exchanges Friday for certain tires sold for use with minivans and small trucks but insisted it is not a recall. Goodyear said some of these tires under adverse conditions can have tread separation. It offered to exchange P215/70R14 tires sold under 23 private label names, including Douglas, Kelly, Mohave and Republic, in the U.S. and Canada.