Bank of America Corp. has received approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to merge with MBNA Corp., clearing the way for acquisition of the credit-card company early next year. MBNA, based in Wilmington, Del., employs 3,000 in Maine – 1,900 in Belfast, and 1,100 more in smaller offices in Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Farmington, Orono, Brunswick and Portland. The $35 billion acquisition was announced in June by officials of both companies. (AP)