American Greetings to Sell Part of Online Unit

American Greetings Corp., Cleveland, will sell a minority stake in its Internet unit through an initial public offering to boost spending on its online business, according to wire service reports.

The company, which licenses characters like Holly Hobbie and Care Bears in addition to selling gifts, gift wrap and party supplies, will offer an undisclosed portion of americangreetings.com to investors by the end of the year.