Marshall Field’s owner May Department Stores Co. and Federated Department Stores Inc. set dates for shareholder meetings this summer at which they will seek endorsement of a planned $11 billion merger.

St. Louis-based May scheduled its yearly stockholders meeting for July 13 at the Pierre-New York in New York City, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Federated said its annual gathering will be on the same day at its headquarters in Cincinnati.

The merger, announced in February, would create a retailing powerhouse better able to compete against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and upscale merchants.

The deal requires approval by the Federal Trade Commission and is expected to be completed in the third quarter.

JCK