U.S. Seeks More Lockheed, Northrop Data

The Justice Department wants more information on Lockheed Martin Corp.’s proposed $12-billion purchase of Northrop Grumman Corp. The request extends the legal deadline for required antitrust approval of the acquisition until 20 days after the companies provide the requested information. The companies say they plan to close the transaction by the end of the year. The combination of the two defense giants is expected to get tough scrutiny, although lawyers say the Justice Department probably will sign off on the transaction. Antitrust enforcers will take a close look at a variety of defense electronics programs--including countermeasures, radar systems and surveillance systems--as well as the market for combat aircraft. Shares of Lockheed, based in Bethesda, Md., fell $1.13 to close at $109.44. Shares of Los Angeles-based Northrop fell $1.31 to close at $123.50. Both trade on the New York Stock Exchange.