Agrium raises bid for CF Industries

Agrium Inc. said Thursday it is raising its bid for CF Industries Holdings Inc., in a final attempt to acquire its rival fertilizer maker.

Canada's Agrium has pursued CF since February, but has faced repeated rejections. In a statement Thursday, Agrium repeated what it has said in previous offers _ that this is its "best and final offer." The offer has been extended until midnight, Nov. 18.

CF Industries, based in Deerfield, Illinois, said it received Agrium's offer and plans to review the proposal. Agrium is based in Calgary, Alberta.

The new offer gives CF shareholders $45 in cash plus one Agrium share per CF share. That's a $5 …