WESTCHESTER, Ill. (AP) -- Agriculture heavyweight Bunge says it's buying Illinois-based Corn Products International in a stock deal worth about $4.4 billion.

Two of the nation's oldest agricultural businesses would become one in the deal announced today, in which Bunge would also assume $414 million of Corn Products' debt.

The buyout will combine Corn Products' sweeteners, starches and other ingredients with Bunge's portfolio of agribusiness, fertilizer, edible oil and milling products.

Bunge is based in White Plains, New York, and has more than 25,000 employees in more than 30 countries

Corn Products will maintain its operational headquarters in Westchester, Illinois.

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