Perelman Buying John Harland Co.

ATLANTA—Check printing specialist John H. Harland Co. has agreed to be acquired by M&F Worldwide, the holding company controlled by billionaire Ron Perelman, for $1.7 billion, or $52.75 per share.

Harland will become a wholly owned subsidiary of M&F Worldwide upon completion of the deal, which is expected in the second half of 2007. The deal also needs to be approved by Harland shareholders.