Speculation that a merger of Swiss commodities giants Glencore and Xstrata could be on the cards has proved on the money, with Xstrata confirming that it is in talks about a merger of equals with its largest shareholder.
A merger of mining outfit Xstrata and commodities trader Glencore could create a leviathan valued at around £52bn which, in market capitalisation terms at least, would make it the second-largest mining firm listed on the London Stock Exchange, behind Rio Tinto (£57.1bn) but ahead of BHP Billiton (£45.9bn) and Anglo American (£36.2bn).
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‘Inheritance tax insurance’ enquiries are soaring – but is it worth it?Premiums for whole of life insurance can run to £5,000 a month to cover a £300,000 inheritance tax bill, with policies costing more the older you take them out.
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MPs warn over Lifetime ISAs which could leave savers out of pocketThe Treasury Committee has highlighted confusion around the Lifetime ISA withdrawal charge, which risks consumers losing “a significant part of their savings”
