UPDATE 2-Deals of the day -- mergers and acquisitions
** German retail and tourism group Arcandor (AROG.DE) is not in talks with Wal-Mart (WMT.N), the world's biggest retailer, Thomas Middelhoff said, pouring cold water on earlier market talk. [ID:nWEA6488]
** Mergers among leading Abu Dhabi banks are on the back burner due to the economic turmoil despite the need for consolidation to face mounting competition, the CEO of National Bank of Abu Dhabi NBAD.AD said. [ID:nLC263785]
** Several utilities are seeking to buy more than one German long-distance power grid, the head of the German regulator for energy networks told Reuters. [ID:nLC814093]
** A Delaware judge denied Dow Chemical Co's (DOW.N) efforts to disqualify Rohm & Haas Co's ROH.N lawyers in the lawsuit over Dow's refusal to close its more than $15 billion takeover of rival Rohm. [ID:nN12447786]
** Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX) is to hold a European roadshow next week for a bond issue to help fund its planned buyout of Genentech Inc DNA.N, three sources familiar with the situation said. [ID:nLC834002]
** British platinum group metal developer Ridge Mining Plc RDG.L said it was in talks with rival Aquarius Platinum Ltd (AQP.L), regarding a possible sale of Ridge, sending its shares up almost 62 percent. [ID:nBNG345449]
** KPS Capital Partners LP said it emerged as the successful bidder for assets of bankrupt china maker Lenox Group Inc LENXQ.OB. [ID:nSP254393]
** Toys "R" Us Inc, a privately held toy and baby products retailer, said it bought websites eToys.com, BabyUniverse.com and ePregnancy.com from media firm, The Parent Company, which filed for bankruptcy protection late last year. [ID:nN12476514] (Compiled by Adheesha Sarkar and Renju Jose in Bangalore)
