Also . . .

* Allstate Corp. agreed to buy the two insurance units of Leucadia National Corp. for undisclosed terms, buttressing its individual life insurance and retirement savings businesses. Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate, the largest publicly held insurer of U.S. homes and autos, is also among the top life insurers.

* Bernard Chaus Inc., a maker and designer of women’s apparel, fired Chief Executive Andrew Grossman and replaced him with Josephine Chaus, effective immediately. Chaus, chairwoman and co-founder, owns 69.5% of the company.