The management board of Degussa and the board of directors for Engineered Carbons, Inc. (ECI) announced the signing of a letter of intent to combine their North American carbon black businesses. A new 50/50 joint venture company is scheduled to begin operating Jan. 1, 2002 under the name Degussa Engineered Carbons, LP.      The company will serve the rubber and specialty markets. The advanced fillers and pigments business unit of Degussa will have the responsibility of sales and marketing. The...