Reports: McDonald's selling fast food chains

McDonald's Corp. may be looking to sell its smaller chains.

The world's biggest fast food restaurant operator is seeking buyers for its Boston Market, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Donatos Pizzeria restaurants, according to the news site thedeal.com and a report in Thursday's Chicago Tribune. They each cited unidentified sources familiar with the plans.

The reports said the company is talking to private equity firms about buying a controlling stake in its Partner Brands Division.

Oil prices hit high since start of war

Oil prices rose above $30 a barrel Thursday for the first time since war broke out in Iraq, as concerns about worldwide supplies replaced early hopes for a quick end to the military conflict.

The price of oil on futures markets has risen nearly 13 percent since last Friday, when it dropped to a three-month low.

For now, oil traders are retreating from the view of ample supplies that emerged during the first 48 hours of the war.