CANTON, Miss. –

Those responsible in Canton are reacting after a planned merger between Honda and Nissan was announced.

On Friday, Nissan Motor Corporation announced that the two automakers have signed a memorandum of understanding to begin discussions and consideration of business integration between Nissan and Honda.

Experts said the merger would create the world’s third-largest automaker.

This raises questions about what a merger would mean for Canton Nissan’s 5,000 employees.

Mayor William Truly said: “I’m concerned about the possible loss of jobs in Canton, in the state of Mississippi and also at Nissan if this deal doesn’t go through… But if it doesn’t go through then the question is whether Nissan can survive.”

Truth be told, it would be economically devastating if the Nissan plant wasn’t in Canton, but a merger could help keep it viable.

“I have faith and I have hope and I believe Nissan will continue to be here. In some form or fashion,” Truly said.

Mary Stanford, manager of Canton Piggly Wiggly, said the deli is a popular stop for Nissan workers who want a good hot meal on their lunch break.

“That’s where most of our business comes from, Nissan. Our Thanksgiving and Christmas lunch business comes from Nissan,” Stanford said.

Robin Singh runs a gas station near the Nissan factory. “I’m not sure what will happen if they merge. Hopefully we can get more business with them. Our business, as most people would like it, depends on Nissan,” Sing said.