The project will be partially funded by Shamrock Holdings, a Disney-affiliated investment firm.

Mr. Disney's Shamrock Holdings is leading a group that last month offered $40 a share, or a total of $2.3 billion, for the remainder.

Shamrock Holdings bought a 5.5% stake in Texas Industries in 2008.

The real financial trouble dates to the hostile takeover attempted by Shamrock Holdings in 1988.

Roy Disney's Shamrock Holdings proposed to purchase the photographic equipment maker for $40 a share.

Shamrock Holdings had asked Curtis last week to sell itself or alter its stock structure.

Shamrock Holdings is a closely held investment company owned by the Roy E. Disney family.

Shamrock Holding will sell Central Soya to an Italian agricultural concern for $365 million in cash and debt.

That deal called for a partnership led by Roy Disney's Shamrock Holdings to buy the public shares at $14 each.

Shamrock Holdings raised its bid for the company to $45 a share, from $42 a share.