Viacom May Shed Stake in Blockbuster

Viacom (VIA

) is close to a decision to shed its 82% stake in Blockbuster (BBI

), most likely by selling it to a group of private-equity firms, according to the Wall Street Journal. (12/2)

BB&T (BBT

) agrees to acquire Republic Bancshares (REPB

) for $32.12 per share, in a deal valued at $436 million. (12/2)

Coastal Bancorp (CBSA

) agrees to be acquired by Hibernia (HIB

) for $41.50 per share. (12/2)

Magna International (MGA

) says it is in talks with DaimlerChrysler DCX regarding a potential sale to Magna of controlling interest in DaimlerChrysler's New Venture Gear, which has manufacturing operations in Syracuse, New York, and Roitzsch, Germany. (12/2)

North Coast Energy Inc. (NCEB

) agrees to be acquired by privately-held EXCO Resources Inc. for $10.75 a share in cash, for a total of about $163.4 million. (11/26)

K2 Inc. (KTO

) agrees to buy Fotoball USA Inc. (FUSA

) for $17.2 million in stock. Terms: 0.2757 KTO share for each FUSA share. (11/26)

Independence Community Bank Corp. (ICBC

) agrees to merge with Staten Island Bancorp (SIB

) in a deal valued at $1.5 billion. Terms: 0.6232 ICBC share for each SIB share. (11/25)