P&G, Merck sue over generics

Procter & Gamble Co., the largest U.S. maker of household products, and Merck & Co. sued Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., accusing the company of infringing patents for drugs used to combat bone loss. The unit of Israel's Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. plans to market generic versions of Procter & Gamble's Actonel and Merck's Fosamax in the U.S. in violation of five patents awarded since 1996, the companies said in suits filed in federal court in Wilmington, Del.

Midland getting hurricane claims

Midland Co. said Thursday it has received $4 million in loss claims from insurance customers affected by Hurricane Charley in Florida. The Amelia-based company said it is "too soon" to say what kind of financial hit it will take from the hurricane. Its American Modern Insurance Group specializes in insuring mobile homes - including 11,000 in Florida - recreational vehicles, boats and other big-ticket items. It has set up claim offices in Lakeland and Lake City, Fla. Midland shares closed at $26.76, down 9 cents.