IN BRIEF

LOS ANGELES

Two suits filed against Hilton buyout bid

Two Hilton Hotels Corp. shareholders are suing the hotel operator, claiming its management and directors breached their fiduciary duty to stockholders when they agreed to sell the company to a private equity firm for $20.1 billion, a figure the shareholders contend is too low.

The lawsuitsseek an order blocking Hilton’s proposed sale to Blackstone Group LP., which the company revealed earlier this week.

The suits, which seek class-action status, also ask the court to compel Hilton officials to seek a more lucrative offer for the Beverly Hills-based hotelier.

Hilton Hotels CEO Stephen F. Bollenbach, the company’s directors and other executives, and Blackstone, are named as defendants in both lawsuits.

Under the proposed buyout, Blackstone would pay Hilton shareholders $47.50 per share, in cash.

SANTA ANA, Calif.

Bus drivers continue Orange County strike

Bus drivers in Southern California’s Orange County struck for a second day Sunday and their stalled contract talks threaten the weekday commutes of thousands.

Hundreds of frustrated riders waited for buses that never showed Saturday just after the drivers started their walkout.

The Orange County Transportation Authority expected less disruption on the weekend, when ridership is about half of the 225,000 daily average.

Both sides said they are working toward a resolution, but have contingency plans should the strike become long-term. No further contract talks were scheduled.

Union leaders want a 14 percent pay raise over three years, arguing Orange County is an expensive place to live. They also want raises concentrated among more senior drivers to reward service, while the OCTA wants raises spread more evenly to help recruit new workers. The agency also is considering hiring private drivers.