From staff and wire reports

Cintas executives get no bonuses

Top executives of Cintas Corp. received no bonuses in 2003 because the Mason uniform supplier didn't achieve its goal of a 10 percent increase in earnings per share, according to the company's proxy statement.

The company's earnings increased 6 percent to $1.45 a share.

At the annual meeting set for 10 a.m. Oct. 14 at the company's corporate offices, investors will be asked to consider four shareholder proposals.

One proposes expensing of stock options, two deal with corporate governance issues, and the fourth asks for a report from the board of directors on compliance with the company's code of conduct.

The board recommends rejection of all four proposals.

Elder-Beerman offer sweetened

A company that wants to buy Dayton, Ohio-based Elder-Beerman Stores Inc. has sweetened its offer to shareholders, offering 5 cents a share more than a competing suitor, Elder-Beerman said Tuesday.

Wright Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of the Minneapolis-based Goldner Hawn Johnson & Morrison, increased its offer for Elder-Beerman from $6 a share to $7.05 a share.