Business in brief PORTLAND: TD BANKNORTH SEES PROFITS RISE

TD Banknorth Inc. on Monday said increased lending and higher deposits during the fourth quarter helped the northeast regional bank offset the toll of higher interest rates. Profits rose to $55.6 million, or 32 cents per share, from $20.7 million, or 12 cents per share, last year. Excluding one-time items, including a balance sheet restructuring designed to rid the bank of interest-rate sensitive investments, the bank posted profits of 62 cents per share. Results matched Wall Street projections for earnings of 62 cents per share, according to Thomson Financial. (AP)