Australia’s deal boom set to intensify on cheap cash, pandemic confidence -bankers

Australia’s record merger-and-acquisition (M&A) boom can only intensify in the near term as ultra-low interest rates and confidence that the economy will rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to drive deal activity, bankers said.
Papua New Guinea-focused Oil Search rebuffs $6.5 bln Santos bid

Oil Search (OSH.AX) rejected an unsolicited takeover proposal from Santos Ltd (STO.AX) valuing the Papua New Guinea-focused oil and gas producer at A$8.8 billion ($6.5 billion), but both companies said on Tuesday they wanted to pursue further talks.