TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Shareholders OK SBC, PacTel Merger: SBC Communications Inc.’s $16-billion purchase was approved by nearly 97% of shares voted at a special meeting of Pacific Telesis Group shareholders in San Francisco. Total votes cast represented nearly 76% of outstanding shares, the company said. A special meeting was also held in San Antonio, where 97% of SBC shares voted supported the merger. The vote represented 70% of SBC’s outstanding shares, executives said. The merger must also be approved by Justice Department and the California Public Utilities Commission. SBC and PacTel announced their merger agreement April 1.