Business news digest

NATION

Kerkorian increases financing for Ford bid

WASHINGTON — Billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian has added $100 million in financing as part of his bid to increase his stake in Ford Motor Co.

Kerkorian’s Tracinda Corp. said in a regulatory filing Friday it may borrow as much as $600 million from Bank of America, up from a potential loan of $500 million based on an April 15 agreement. Kerkorian has offered $8.50 a share for up to 20 million shares of Ford’s common stock, a cash offer worth up to $170 million. If he succeeds, his stake in the automaker would rise to 5 percent from 4.7 percent.

Burger King agrees on deal with farmworkers

MIAMI — A farmworkers advocacy group and Burger King Corp. have agreed on a deal to help boost wages and improve conditions for Florida tomato pickers.

The plan announced Friday ends a bitter dispute between the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and the Miami-based fast-food company, the nation’s second biggest hamburger chain.

Burger King joins rivals McDonald’s Corp. and Taco Bell owner Yum Brands Inc., which already have similar deals. But whether the workers get a raise depends on the participation of tomato growers who have resisted the agreements.

Associated Press