Jan 3 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers,

acquisitions and disposals were reported by 1030 GMT on Friday:

** Norway's sovereign wealth fund said it had acquired a

45% stake in a portfolio of logistics properties in the United

States from the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in a new

joint venture with Goodman Group for $1.07 billion.

** Skydance Media and Paramount Global ( PARAA ) on Thursday

defended their planned $8.4 billion merger, urging the Federal

Communications Commission to dismiss opposition from critics,

calling them "unwarranted" and "meritless."

** Cat specialist SageSure has closed the acquisition of

GeoVera Advantage Insurance Services, an earthquake risk

underwriter - the merged agency will now function as a newly

formed MGA.

(Compiled by Rajarshi Roy and Aamir Sohail in Bengaluru)