Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, which last year tripled...

Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, which last year tripled its debt load in order to fend off a hostile takeover attempt, will sell 10 million shares of common stock in a public offering underwritten by First Boston Corp. and Credit Suisse First Boston. The Orlando, Fla.-based publisher also plans to sell $400 million in debt securities. The stock and debt offerings are part of a refinancing that will give HBJ “greater financial and operating flexibility,” according to the company.