Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets paid $500 million to buy 49 Albertsons stores in Florida, according to a government filing. The deal, announced in June, is expected to be finalized in September, according to the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Publix, which purchased eight Albertsons in the Orlando area, says it plans to remodel the stores and reopen them under its own banner.


Productivity growth slowed in spring

The efficiency of America's workers grew at a slightly slower pace in the spring as companies sought to produce more with leaner work forces. Workers' compensation growth slowed, too. The Labor Department reported Friday that productivity -- the amount an employee produces for every hour on the job -- grew at an annual rate of 2.2 percent during the April-to-June quarter. That was down from a 2.6 percent growth rate logged in the first three months of this year. "The economy is limping along and businesses are doing whatever they can to remain competitive," said Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economics Advisors in Holland, Pa. "So, we had fewer people working shorter hours and producing more."


UBS settles auction-rate securities case