Also. . .

* The European Union has launched a probe into Sotheby’s Holdings Inc. and Christie’s International, the world’s two leading art auctioneers, over alleged limited competition on commissions, an EU spokesman said. The news comes days after antitrust litigation in the U.S. against Sotheby’s and Christie’s escalated with the filing of five new suits alleging that the two auction houses conspired to set commission prices on art and antiques sales. Christie’s and Sotheby’s could not be reached for comment.