Deals of the day -- mergers and acquisitions

Sept 17 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals involving European, U.S. and Asian companies were reported by 0430 GMT on Thursday.

(For Reuters columns on deals, click on [DEALTALK/])

** Shareholders in Lion Nathan Ltd LNN.AX, Australia's second-largest brewer, approved a $3 billion takeover by Japanese brewer Kirin (2503.T), which will create Australia's largest food and drinks group. To read more, please double click on [ID:nSYU007242]

** China's Geely Automobile Holdings has approached Magna International MGa.TO about a potential partnership on car maker Opel, a source familiar with the matter said, marking the Chinese automaker's latest attempt to chase a Western brand. [ID:nSHA368250]

** Brazil's JBS SA (JBSS3.SA) said it would take over bankrupt U.S. chicken company Pilgrim's Pride Corp PGPDQ.PK and Brazilian rival Bertin, in deals that would make it the world's largest meat company with $30 billion in annual revenue. [ID:nN16119897]

** U.S. and Canadian judges said approved Nortel Networks Corp's (NRTLQ.PK) sale of its enterprise business to Avaya Inc for about $900 million, part of the liquidation of the bankrupt telecoms company. [ID:nN16135911] (Compiled by Tina Kwan in Singapore; Editing by Valerie Lee)