Dec 26 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals were reported by 1030 GMT on Thursday:
** Japan's Nippon Steel 5401.T 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. nL1N3NR03E
** Alibaba Group 9988.HK is nearing a deal to merge its South Korean operations with E-Mart's 139480.KS e-commerce platform in a transaction that would value the new joint venture at about $4 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. nL4N3NR09E
** South Korean retailer Shinsegae 004170.KS plans to set up a joint venture with Alibaba International, Shinsegae affiliate E-Mart 139480.KS said on Thursday. nL1N3NR03W
(Compiled by Jaiveer Shekhawat in Bengaluru)
((JaiveerSingh.Shekhawat@thomsonreuters.com))