Business briefs

Consumer czar choice nearing

The White House said Thursday that a decision on the nomination of the new head of the consumer financial protection bureau was approaching but not imminent. "I don't anticipate an announcement in the next couple of days but probably in the not-too-distant future," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs. The administration earlier confirmed that Elizabeth Warren, a leading candidate to become the top U.S. consumer financial regulator, had visited the White House Tuesday. It was the second time in a month that Warren has met at the White House with senior officials. President Barack Obama will make the decision on who will be director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Warren, a Harvard University law professor, is credited with conceiving the idea for the agency. Gibbs said one or two other candidates were being considered.

Sanding tool, blinds recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission Thursday announced the following recalls:

About 192,000 Black & Decker random-orbit sanders because the plastic disc can fly off or break apart while in use. The company has received 73 reports of incidents and 15 reports of injuries, including one report of serious facial lacerations. The sanders were sold nationwide from January 2007 through July 2009. More information is available at 866-220-1767 and at cpsc.gov or blackanddecker.com.

About 1,800 bamboo roll-up blinds with valance that were distributed by Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores because they pose a strangulation hazard. No incidents have been reported. The blinds were sold nationwide between April 2009 and December 2009. Details are available at 888-739-4120 and at joann.com or cpsc.gov.

3M to buy Arizant for $810M

Manufacturing conglomerate 3M Co. has agreed to pay $810 million for Arizant Inc., a Minnesota company that makes heating devices for surgical patients. The deal announced Thursday is one of a string of recent acquisitions for 3M as it stretches beyond its traditional business of making Post-It Notes and Scotch Tape. Last month, 3M agreed to buy Attenti Holdings SA, an Israeli company that makes ankle bracelets used to keep track of people, for $230 million. It also announced it would put up $943 million for Cogent Inc., which provides equipment that reads finger and palm prints.

Google debuts faster search

Google Inc.'s search engine now displays results before users finish typing. The new technology, dubbed Google Instant, can shave two seconds to five seconds off every Internet search, Google said Wednesday, and could entice users to search more on its website.

- From wire reports