AGRICULTURE
<i> Times Staff and Wire Reports</i>
French Firm Buys American Maize: Eridania Beghin-Say of Paris has agreed to acquire American Maize-Products Co. for about $430 million, ending a six-month takeover battle for the corn-processing and tobacco company. Eridania first tried to acquire Stamford, Conn.-based American Maize in January, offering $32 a share. The new purchase agreement is for $40 a share. American Maize shares surged $5 after the announcement to close at $38.75 in heavy trading on the American Stock Exchange.
