The chancery court of the US state of Delware has granted a request by Rohm & Haas (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania / USA; www.rohmhaas.com) for an expedited trial in its breach of contract suit against Dow Chemical (Midland, Michigan / USA; www.dow.com) and has set 9 March as the beginning date. In a letter to the legal counsel of the two disputing parties, judge William Chandler said the trial should be completed “within four or five days.”

Although Dow had requested a delay until late March or early April, Chandler said he is “unconvinced”that an additional two or three weeks would “meaningfully alter the informational base,” adding that an earlier trial would be “less costly and more efficient.” He “strongly encouraged” the two chemical producers to “focus on a business solution.” Especially as the court wants to act quickly, ratings agency Moody’s has urged Dow to negotiate a delay agreement with Rohm & Haas. It said Dow needs better financing to maintain its investment-grade rating.