Delta Air Lines announced two financial transactions to "prepare for the closing of our merger with Northwest

," according to an Aug. 25 letter from Delta president Ed Bastian to employees. The company borrowed "the entire amount" of a $1 billion revolving credit facility to bolster cash "to manage the integration process and run the day-to-day business." Delta also amended a credit card processing agreement covering Visa and MasterCard transactions. The revised deal extends through 2011, includes "favorable processing fees" and covers Northwest following the close of the merger. "Importantly, there will continue to be no cash holdback, or reserve, required under the revised terms of the agreement," Bastian wrote.