Dow/Union Carbide extend merger deadline

MIDLAND, Mich. (Dec. 29)—Dow Chemical Co. and Union Carbide Corp. have agreed to a third extension for their merger, which was to have expired at year-end. The deal, which has yet to be approved by the Federal Trade Commission, is now due for completion by March 31, 2001. First announced in August 1999, the proposed merger would create the world´s second largest chemicals company with annual sales of more than $24 billion.