AMR, US Airways Extend Merger Deadline

American Airlines parent AMR and US Airways agreed to extend their merger deadline by about a month to allow for the antitrust case filed by the U.S. Justice Department to run its course. The amended merger agreement extends the date on which either AMR or US Airways may abandon the merger from December 17 to either January 18 or the 15th day following a ruling in favor of AMR and US Airways, whichever comes later. In the event of a ruling against the companies, the new contract allows AMR or US Airways to terminate the agreement five days after the court enters a final, but appealable, order.