FERTILIZER

Agrium to Acquire Viridian: Calgary, Canada-based Agrium Inc. has agreed to take over Viridian Inc. for $887.4 million, a deal that would create one of the largest fertilizer companies in North America. The companies said both of their boards have approved the merger, which would create a company with more than $2 billion in revenue. Agrium and Viridian, of Fort Saskatchewan, Canada, said that, on completion of the merger, Viridian shareholders will receive 0.975 Agrium common share for each Viridian share held. Based on Friday’s closing stock prices, the deal values Viridian at $13.65 a share, a premium of about 12%. Ian Delaney, Viridian’s chairman and chief executive, has agreed to resign his positions under the merger agreement.