UAL Agrees to Postpone Backing Out of Merger

UAL Corp. said it would obey the terms of its recently revoked offer to buy US Airways Group Inc. and pursue the buyout until the Justice Department makes a final ruling. The move complies with a request by US Airways, but several industry experts said it is a legal maneuver rather than a change of heart by UAL.

The parent of United Airlines moved earlier this month to call off the $4.3-billion acquisition amid daunting economic and regulatory challenges, but US Airways is balking at the proposed separation.

Justice spokeswoman Gina Talamona said the department’s antitrust division is continuing its review of the deal and “remains ready to continue discussions with the parties to move its review toward a conclusion.”

With UAL’s decision, the deal can’t be scuttled until August, after a required 21-day review period.

United is entitled to walk away Aug. 1, paying a $50-million breakup fee, under terms of the deal.