Dean Witter, Morgan Stanley Stockholders Back Deal

Shareholders have approved the merger of Dean Witter, Discover & Co. and Morgan Stanley Group Inc.

The $9.4 billion deal, announced in February, is expected to be completed this week. Analysts said the combination of Morgan Stanley's institutional clout with Dean Witter's retail network could create a fearsome competitor.

Eighty-seven percent of Dean Witter's shareholders voted for the merger, and 83% of Morgan Stanley's shareholders gave the thumbs up in separate meetings Wednesday.

The combined entity, to be named Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co., will have market capitalization of about $21 billion, based on February share prices.

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