Business news digest

OHIO

Report: Fifth Third could buy National City

CLEVELAND — Fifth Third Bancorp has emerged as a possible buyer for struggling National City Corp. The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the situation, reported Friday of Fifth Third’s interest in National City, Ohio’s biggest financial institution with assets of $150 billion. Previously, the newspaper said National City’s Cleveland-based neighbor, KeyCorp, also was interested.

National City, a Midwestern bank heavily exposed to the worsening mortgage and housing market, confirmed Tuesday that it is reviewing its options amid rumors that it wants to find a buyer. Fifth Third spokeswoman Debra DeCourcy declined to comment on the report Friday.

NATION

GM plants warn company of possibility of strike

DETROIT — Five General Motors Corp. plants are warning the company that they could go on strike in the next 10 days if local operating agreements aren’t reached. GM spokesman Dan Flores confirmed Friday that the company has gotten letters from plants in Arlington, Texas; Parma, Ohio; and Lansing, Warren and Flint in Michigan.

The plants are giving the company five days to work out issues in bargaining. If the contracts aren’t finalized by that time, they can issue a notice of intent to strike in five days.

Associated Press