Also . . .

Union Carbide Corp. shareholders approved the planned $11.6-billion merger with Dow Chemical Co., a union that will be the world’s No. 2 chemical company and a dominant plastics maker. In August, Midland, Mich.-based Dow agreed to buy Danbury, Conn.-based Union Carbide in a stock-and-debt transaction expected to close early next year. The company will be the biggest producer of polyethylene plastics, used in everything from trash bags to food packaging.

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Phelps Dodge Corp. said President Steven Whisler will succeed Douglas Yearley as chief executive officer Jan. 1 and as chairman of the board at the mining company’s annual meeting, set for May 3. The announcement had been expected, as the 63-year-old Yearley, with more than 40 years in the industry, planned his retirement. Whisler retains his title as company president.

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