June 26, 2008: Republic Services Inc. agreed Monday to buy larger rival Allied Waste Industries Inc. for $6.1 billion to become North America's second-largest trash hauler as a weaker economy and rising fuel prices strain waste-removal companies.

Allied investors will receive 0.45 Republic shares for each share they hold, the companies said. The price is 3.5% higher than Phoenix-based Allied's Friday closing price.

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