BANKING

PNC Bank Corp. to Acquire 84 Chemical Bank Branches: The company would expand into New Jersey with the acquisition of the branches from Chemical Banking Corp. in a deal worth about $504 million. The branches serve about 200,000 households in the southern and central parts of the state. Chemical, based in New York, would keep 40 branches in northeastern New Jersey that serve commuters to New York who bank at Chemical offices in both states. The deal--a combination of cash and a maximum of $300 million worth of preferred stock--is expected to close by the end of the year. It requires federal and state approval.