Ames Department Stores Inc. , Rocky Hill, Conn., will terminate its...

Ames Department Stores Inc., Rocky Hill, Conn., will terminate its 401(k) plan as a result of the company’s liquidation and distribute the $170 million in assets to participants, said Karen Baker, division vice president of compensation and benefits. She did not know if the assets would continue to be invested until the company is liquidated. "We were surprised by the company’s announcement that it is closing and have yet to talk to our lawyers about how we’ll proceed with the plan,” Ms. Baker said.