Aug. 11--Macy's owner Federated Department Stores Inc. said yesterday that per-share earnings rose 95 percent in the second quarter, matching Wall Street expectations and bolstering the retailer's assertion that a planned merger with rival May Department Stores Co.

Jul. 29--Famous-Barr, a longtime retail staple of the metro-east and St. Louis, will become Macy's by fall 2006, Federated Department Stores Inc. announced on Thursday.

CINCINNATI - Federated Department Stores Inc. is buying rival May Department Stores Co. for $11 billion in cash and stock in a deal that would create a powerhouse better able to compete against discounter Wal-Mart Stores Inc. as well as upscale merchants.

CINCINNATI - Federated Department Stores Inc. is buying rival May Department Stores Co. for $11 billion in cash and stock in a deal that would create a powerhouse better able to compete against discount giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc.