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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 46279, member: 636"] Shell rejected reports about possible merger talks with BP on Wednesday. The British oil company told reporters that no discussions were happening between the two firms. A company spokesman said Shell remains focused on improving how it performs rather than buying other businesses. The Wall Street Journal had claimed the companies held early conversations about combining their operations. BP refused to share any details when asked about the reports. Oil industry experts said such a deal would create one of the largest mergers ever seen. The combined company would better compete against American giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron. French energy company TotalEnergies would also face stronger competition from the merged business. Investment analyst Dan Coatsworth noted that major corporations always examine ways to grow through acquisitions. He warned that examining opportunities does not guarantee completed deals. Market watchers expressed doubt about regulatory approval for any Shell-BP combination. Analyst Fawad Razaqzada said competition authorities would likely block such a large merger. BP has faced significant challenges compared to its competitors recently. The company abandoned its environmental goals earlier this year to concentrate on traditional oil and gas production. BP hoped this strategy shift would help restore declining profits and investor confidence. Financial results show the gap between the two companies has widened. BP reported first quarter profits dropped 70 percent to $687 million. Shell performed better with earnings falling just 35 percent to $4.8 billion. Investment fund Elliott owns more than five percent of BP shares and wants management changes but declined to comment. [/QUOTE]

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