Dec 27 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers,

acquisitions and disposals were reported by 1200 GMT on Friday:

** UnitedHealth ( UNH ) and Amedisys ( AMED ) have agreed to

extend the deadline to close their $3.3 billion merger agreement

to next year, a regulatory filing showed on Friday.

** Japanese manufacturing giant Nidec ( NNDNF ) said on

Friday it has planned to launch a 257 billion yen ($1.6 billion)

bid for Makino Milling Machine ( MKMLF ), a surprise unsolicited

takeover offer in a country better known for agreed deals.

** UltraTech Cement, India's top cement maker,

will buy an 8.69% stake in Star Cement, it said on

Friday, in a deal worth up to 8.51 billion rupees ($100 million)

for a company that rival Adani Group was reportedly interested

in acquiring.

** Turkish drone maker Baykar has bought Italian aircraft

producer Piaggio Aerospace, Italy's industry ministry said on

Friday, without disclosing financial details.

(Compiled by Jaiveer Shekhawat)