The Institute of Supply Management reported today that the service sector unexpectedly expanded in April.

Honeywell has completed two transactions with BASF, previously announced on Jan. 14, in which Honeywell sold its engineering plastics business to BASF in exchange for BASF's nylon fiber business and $90 million in cash.

DuPont has announced the formation of a Board of Directors for DuPont Textiles & Interiors (DTI), which began operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont in February 2003.

Tarkett Sommer has announced its intention to make an offer to the shareholders of Domco Tarkett to acquire all the outstanding common shares of Domco Tarkett not already owned by Tarkett Sommer and its affiliates, at a price per share of $7.50 payable in cash, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $49 million based on the current total outstanding shares.

Domco Tarkett Inc. has announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 29, 2003.

BASF, the world's largest chemical maker, reported Tuesday its profit fell 20 percent in the first quarter, largely due to an increased tax bill.

DuPont Textiles & Interiors, the manufacturer of DuPont Antron carpet fiber, will retire 1,553,340 pounds of global warming credits to offset emissions caused by energy use at EnvironDesign7 conference in Washington, D.C., April 30 to May 2.

DuPont reported that first quarter 2003 earnings, before special items and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, were up 11 percent, at $0.61 per share compared with first quarter 2002 earnings of $0.55.

Bayer Chemicals Corp. introduces BAYPROTECT SSB, a patent-pending stain repellent specifically formulated for commercial and residential carpets and rugs.

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which had been on the decline for the past four months, improved sharply in April. The Index now stands at 81 (1985=100), up from 61.4 in March.