Irish drug maker Warner Chilcott PLC could announce a $3 billion takeover of Procter & Gamble Co.'s prescription drug business as early as today, The Wall Street Journal has reported, citing people familiar with the deal.

Cincinnati-based P&G, known for brands like Tide detergent and Pampers diapers, said late last year it was interested in exiting the prescription drug business.

P&G spokesman Tom Millikin told The Associated Press yesterday that the consumer products company does not respond to rumor or speculation.

MERCURY MARINE'S FINAL OFFER REJECTED

FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Union workers at the world's largest manufacturer of boat and recreational marine engines put their jobs at risk yesterday when they rejected a package of wage and benefit concessions the company said it needed or it would move their work to a nonunion plant in Oklahoma.

Union leaders said the vote was "overwhelming" to reject what Mercury Marine called its final offer. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 1947, represents 850 workers at the Fond du Lac boat engine maker.