General Motors Corp. is nearing a deal to sell its Saab unit, but nothing has been finalized, a person briefed on the negotiations said yesterday. The news came as Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that Swedish luxury sports car maker Koenigsegg Automotive AB and Norwegian investors are planning to buy Saab. Citing unnamed sources, SVT said Koenigsegg and the unidentified investors have signed a declaration of intent to buy Saab. Saab went into creditor protection Feb. 20 in an effort by GM to spin off or sell the unit. Saab confirmed last month that three bidders remained in the sales process and that they expected to complete the sale by the end of June.

Del Monte Foods Co. shares rose yesterday after the San Francisco company reported a solid fourth quarter and projected higher than expected earnings per share for the coming fiscal year. In the three months ended May 3, the company produced net income of $71.5 million, or 36 cents per share, compared with $50.4 million, or 25 cents, in the previous year. Sales rose 20.7 percent to $1.06 billion. For the fiscal year, the company with administrative offices on Pittsburgh's North Shore had net income of $172.3 million, or 87 cents per share, up from $133.1 million, or 66 cents, in the previous year. Sales rose 14 percent to $3.63 billion. In the next fiscal year, Del Monte is looking for earnings per share in the 76- to 80-cent range. Analysts had been looking for 75 cents.

Paris Companies dedicated a new $14 million health-care linen services plant yesterday in Du Bois. Paris began in 1918 as a drycleaner but now provides health-care and other clients with textile rental services. The plant employs 110, and the company said 40 jobs would be added soon. Overall, the company employs 600 at facilities in Du Bois, Pittsburgh, Sayre and Williamsport, as well as Olean, N.Y. and Ravenna, Ohio.

Two H.J. Heinz Co. executives will switch jobs effective July 15, a move the Pittsburgh food company said is meant to broaden the capabilities of its executive leadership team. Dave Moran, executive vice president, president and CEO of Heinz North America, will head to Europe to replace Scott O'Hara, who has been executive vice president, president and CEO of Heinz Europe. Mr. O'Hara will, in turn, take the North American position. Both men have held their current positions for several years.

PPG Aerospace entered an agreement to sell and distribute Farecla Inc.'s aircraft coatings products. Farecla, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is the U.S. unit of British-based Farecla Products Ltd. ... Huntington Bank said it would give $300,000 to the Northside Community Development Fund over the next six years to help pay for the nonprofit's operating costs. ... Verizon, which recently dropped off the list of the 20 most widely held stocks, is now part of the local stocks list at the bottom of the business page.