Applied Materials, Inc. announced that it has received notice from the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, of early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott- Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act in connection with the company’s proposed acquisition of Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger dated May 3, 2011. On Aug. 11, 2011 Varian shareholders voted to approve the merger, and to date, Applied has received reg...