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Appleseed's Topco Inc. a unit of Golden Gate Capital, will acquire Blair Corp. for $173.6 million.

Packaged goods marketer Unilever NV/Plc sent knives to 200,000 families in the Netherlands in a direct mail campaign, which resulted in some children suffering injuries, according to wire service reports.

The Yankee Candle Co. Inc. has approved Madison Dearborn Partners LLC's $1.7 billion acquisition of the firm.

MySpace.com announced yesterday it is suing Scott Richter -- a man who was once considered one of the world's most prolific spammers, but who said he changed his ways in 2005.

Story Worldwide has acquired Byte Interactive LLC for undisclosed terms. The combined agencies employ more than 160 people in Seattle, New York, South Norwalk, CT and London.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested Mark Eldon Wilson, 45, and Carrie Hope, 31, a couple living in Kelowna, BC, Canada, for allegedly selling bogus credit card protection plans via telemarketing in the U.S.

The Washington, DC-based International Spy Museum offers a variety of its cloak-and-dagger inspired wares. Its 16-page catalog features "the best in spy gear, games and gadgets." The Fresh Air Fund has mailed a bovine-themed #10 envelope: The package touts inner-city children's experiences with animals, and has an ask ladder of $15/$25/$50/$100/$150/other. And International Male's latest…

News item: The latest online scam is an email allegedly from a hired killer contracted to murder the recipient. According to the message, the killer has had second thoughts, and is willing to forego the swift completion of his appointed rounds -- for a price.

Omniture Inc. has acquired Instadia, a Danish Web analytics provider, for an undisclosed sum.

Coldwater Creek expects to post earnings per share for its fiscal 2006 fourth quarter, ending Feb. 3 in the range of 16 to 17 cents per share, down from earlier estimates of 26 to 27 cents per share.