Briefs

Alpha Natural Resources will pay $209 million to settle a criminal investigation and civil actions stemming from the 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine, formerly owned and operated by Massey Energy. It was the deadliest U.S. mining disaster in 40 years. The settlement includes $46.5 million in restitution to two injured workers and the families of the 29 miners killed at the West Virginia mine. Federal regulators fined Alpha, which acquired Massey in June, $10.8 million after determining Massey concealed hazards and pressured workers not to report problems. The settlement doesn’t cover civil lawsuits by the miners’ families, nor does it limit the liability of former Massey executives.

J.C. Penney bought a stake in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and will set up mini-stores dedicated to the homemaking brand at its department stores. The retailer paid $38.5 million for 17 percent of the company. J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson, who took over in November after running Apple’s retail operations, seeks to revive the department-store brand. Scheduled to open in February 2013, the mini-stores will sell home and lifestyle goods and will be staffed by salespeople trained to provide tips to shoppers.