Progress Energy CEO urges patience in pending merger :: WRAL.com

"RALEIGH, N.C. — After trying for more than a week to quell employee fears over a pending acquisition by Duke Energy, Progress Energy Chief Executive Bill Johnson acknowledged Wednesday that he is a bit anxious about the $26 billion deal himself.

'I understand the anxiety. I have a little anxiety about this myself,' said Johnson, who will become chief executive of the combined utility.

Still, he asked employees to be patient while details are worked out.

'Be patient. When we know something, we'll tell you. But also think about other opportunities in the company. Where can you make the biggest contribution?' he said.

Johnson said it's too early to determine how many jobs the combined company might cut as it moves its headquarters to Charlotte. While production and line crew jobs appear stable, support positions from finance to legal services will be vulnerable for early retirement and layoffs."