Dec 26 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers,

acquisitions and disposals were reported by 1030 GMT on

Thursday:

** Japan's Nippon Steel ( NISTF ) said on Thursday it has

extended the closing period for its $15 billion purchase of U.S.

Steel, expressing confidence that the acquisition will protect

and grow the American company.

** Alibaba Group ( BABA ) is nearing a deal to merge its

South Korean operations with E-Mart's e-commerce

platform in a transaction that would value the new joint venture

at about $4 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

** South Korean retailer Shinsegae plans to set

up a joint venture with Alibaba International, Shinsegae

affiliate E-Mart said on Thursday.

(Compiled by Jaiveer Shekhawat in Bengaluru)