Bemis: US Seeks More Information On Acquisition

NEENAH, Wis. (AP) — Packaging maker Bemis Company Inc. said it has been asked by the U.S. Justice Department for more information related to a regulatory review of its proposed $1.2 billion purchase of the Food Americas operations of Alcan Packaging from Rio Tinto PLC.

The Neenah, Wis., company, which makes clear plastic packages for items ranging from batteries to burgers, said late Wednesday it received the request and continues to cooperate with the Justice Department. It said it expects the transaction to close by the end of 2009.

Bemis said in July it would buy Rio Tinto's global packaging business for $1.2 billion. Bemis would obtain 23 facilities in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand.

Shares fell 7 cents to $27.37 in nmorning trading Thursday.