Durand Unit to Buy Mikasa for $280 Million

France’s Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques, the world’s largest glass and crystal manufacturer, agreed to buy Mikasa Inc., a U.S. dinnerware and crystal maker, for about $280 million, the companies said. The French company, a subsidiary of J.G. Durand Industries, offered $16.50 a share for Mikasa, based in Secaucus, N.J. Mikasa shares rose $6.31 to close at $16.06 on the New York Stock Exchange. Mikasa’s top executives, who agreed to vote their combined 54.9% in the company’s stock in favor of the offer, would continue to hold a “substantial investment” in the company and would maintain their positions. Mikasa will become privately held after completion of the deal.