After rebuffing its offers to discuss a merger several times over, Shurgard Storage Centers Inc. has agreed to allow Public Storage Inc. to participate with it as the company explores strategic alternatives, including a possible merger with Public Storage. The confidentiality agreement reached by the two public storage center companies includes a proviso that Public Storage not take certain actions with respect to an acquisition of Shurgard prior to April 27, 2006 without Shurgard’s approval. The deadline will expire earlier if Shurgard reaches an agreement with a third party. Shurgard had earlier hired Goldman, Sachs & Co. to explore strategic alternatives for the company upon receiving several unsolicited offers from Glendale-based Public Storage.
