BUSINESS BRIEFS

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. …