Briefs: India's Tata may win Land Rover bid

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. could name Indian automaker Tata Motors Ltd. a "preferred bidder" for its Jaguar and Land Rover units as early as Friday, two people briefed on the negotiations said Wednesday to the Associated Press. Talks continue at present with another Indian car maker and a U.S. equity firm.

United Airlines expects margin rise

CHICAGO -- UAL Corp, parent of United Airlines, said Wednesday it expects its unit revenue to increase 11 to 12 percent this quarter, helped by capacity reductions on North American routes. It also expects its operating cost per available seat to be up about 7.5 percent.

Tyco settlement draws record fees

NEW YORK -- A federal judge Wednesday approved settlements worth $3.2 billion for investors who sued Tyco International Ltd. following an accounting scandal that led to the imprisonment of ex-chief Dennis Kozlowski. Also approved was about $464 million in legal fees and $28.9 million in expense reimbursement for the plaintiffs' lawyers. It is believed to be the biggest-ever fee award for attorneys in a securities class-action settlement.

Cheesecake Factory focus of Peltz move

CHICAGO -- Shares of Cheesecake Factory Inc. rose almost 11 percent Wednesday and its options volume surged, after a fund controlled by activist investor Nelson Peltz received antitrust approval for an unspecified transaction related to the chain. Peltz, who controls Arby's parent Triarc Cos. Inc., earlier this year pressed for changes at Kraft Foods. Shares ended up $2.35, to $24.54.

LiveActive at Kraft ups fiber options

NORTHFIELD -- Kraft Foods Inc. is expanding foods it says promote healthy digestion, but some analysts are not sure consumers are ready for prebiotic fiber -- the additive used in the new products. The company plans to expand the LiveActive brand in January with new Crystal Light drink mix sticks, Planters nuts and a new breakfast cereal.