AGRIUM, POTASH AGREE TO MASSIVE AG MERGER

Canadian fertilizer giants Potash and Agrium have agreed to what they described as a “merger of equals” in yet another major deal shaking up the agricultural sector amid sluggish crop prices. They expect to save about $500 million annually in “synergies.” Potash shares fell 1.2% to close at $16.76. Agrium shares slipped 2.7% to $92.64.