Kmart Slides Shares of Kmart slumped 15 percent Friday on the New York StockExchange, amid mounting speculation that the discount chain may seekprotection from creditors under federal bankruptcy laws.Michigan-based Kmart sought to defuse the rumors, saying that it wascurrent with payments to vendors and that it continues to negotiatewith the holders of some of its real estate-related debt. Theretailer closed at a 13-year low of $6.37 1/2, down $1.12 1/2. Miller Launches New Beer Miller Brewing Co. is launching a new beer brand to go head-to-headwith industry leader Budweiser. The company said Friday it willlaunch a full-calorie, premium-priced brand, named Miller Beer, in1996. …
