Ralston Purina-Nestle merger

SLP2001011607 - 16 JANUARY 2001 - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA: Several pet food items that the Nestle Company make are displayed during a press conference to announce that Nestle and Ralston Purina will merge, January 16, 2001 in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestle will pay a reported $10.3 billion for the rival pet food company and will name the merged companies Nestle Purina Pet Care. Purina makes several types of dog and cat foods plus Tidy Cat kitty litter. rlw/bg/Bill Greenblatt UPI