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NEW YORK, Nov 20 (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co onFriday said its credit card contracts will no longer requirecustomers to resolve disputes through arbitration, a practicethat critics view as unfriendly to consumers.

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - U.S. chocolate maker Hershey Co is considering launching a bid of at least $17 billion for British chocolatier Cadbury Plc as it seeks to trump a hostile offer by Kraft Foods Inc, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Rules aimed at preventing creditcard holders from being hit by unfair and deceptive practicessuch as surprise fees and interest-rate hikes were approved onThursday by a U.S. banking regulator.

* Suit covers transactions from 2005 to early 2008 (Adds Merrill on reviewing suit, paragraph 3)

NEW YORK, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Dow Corning Corp [DOWCR.UL]sued Merrill Lynch & Co on Friday over the loss of $166 millionin auction rate securities, accusing Merrill of misleadinginvestors about the safety and liquidity of the risky debtmarket that collapsed early in 2008.

* Covered bond proposal may be added to systemic risk bill

* Hershey mulls bid of at least $17 bln for Cadbury-source