PotashCorp bid for ICL on hold

PotashCorp today said that it has put its bid to take over Israel Chemicals Ltd. on hold. Sources note that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has had difficulty in putting together a new government after the Jan. 22 elections. In addition, any deal is facing both political and labor opposition.

PotashCorp, which owns a 14 percent stake in ICL, is not interested in a long-term minority status.