and Hatteras FinancialCorp. signed a definitive merger agreement under which Annaly willacquire Hatteras, the companies announced April 11.

Thedeal consideration will be paid in cash and shares of Annaly common stock. Thetransaction values Hatteras at $15.85 per Hatteras common share based uponAnnaly's April 8 closing common stock price.

More details to follow.