Icc Accelerates Rail Merger Decision

The U.S. Interstate Commerce Commission has said it will decide on the merger of Burlington Northern Inc. and Santa Fe Pacific Corp. in a record 165 days - far less than the 2 years it legally could take.

The commission had stated that it would speed up the approval process for the merger, which would create the largest railroad in the United States. The ICC said Tuesday it plans to announce its decision by Aug. 23.

Furthermore, the commission said it will limit lawyers’ briefs in the rail merger to 50 pages.

Interested parties must file their briefs by June 29. Oral arguments will start July 14, and the commission will begin its voting conference July 24.