Also

* Bridgestone Corp., the world’s largest tire maker, will raise tire prices in the U.S. and Canada by as much as 8% because of higher raw material costs.

* SBC Communications Inc.’s 100,000 union workers, at odds with the telephone company over job security and healthcare benefits, voted to authorize a strike if ongoing contract negotiations fail.

* Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. gave founder Martha Stewart, who was convicted last month of obstructing a stock-sale investigation, a $500,000 bonus last year, $200,000 more than was required in her contract. Stewart, 62, also was paid a $900,000 salary last year, unchanged from 2002. Her bonus fell 27% from $680,600 in the previous year, the company said.

* Seagate Technology named President Bill Watkins its chief executive. Current Chairman and CEO Steve Luczo will continue as chairman.

* Dole Food Co. of Westlake Village said it would acquire the parent of J.R. Wood Inc. to expand into frozen fruit. Terms weren’t disclosed.

* The recording industry, as part of its campaign to crack down on music piracy at U.S. universities, sued 477 more people it accused of illegally sending music over the Internet.

* The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced the settlement of an employment discrimination lawsuit for $235,000 with San Joaquin, Calif.-based Prima Frutta Packing Inc.