Westpac may have to boost $17.6 billion St George bid (Reuters)
Reuters - Westpac Banking Corp Ltd , which has bid $17.6 billion for St George Bank in the biggest banking takeover ever in Australia, is bracing for rival offers to emerge that could push the price tag even higher.
Westpac Banking Corporation and St George banks in merger talks
Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia's oldest company, is in talks with St George, a former building society, about merging to form a A$64 billion ($£31 billion) institution. 
ASX high at noon as Wall St soars
The Australian stock market was up at noon as News Corporation Ltd reported robust fourth-quarter and full-year results.
08/06/08
Similar news about ANZ Bank
Westpac offer 'in the ball park'
Most analysts say Westpac's offer of $33.10 for each St George share is fair, but some are still hoping for more.
Westpac expect 8% cash earnings growth
Westpac Banking Corporation says it is on track to deliver 2008 cash earnings growth of between six and eight per cent.
Westpac says Gail Kelly a 'great asset'
Westpac Banking Corp chairman Ted Evans says CEO Gail Kelly is a "great asset" as the company attempts to buy rival St George Bank.
Tabcorp applies for NT wagering licence
Tabcorp Holdings says it has lodged an application with the NT government for a racing and sports wagering licence.
Orica to demerge consumer products
Orica Ltd plans to demerge its consumer products business into a separate company and raise up to $900 million through an entitlement offer.
Westpac beats gloom
WESTPAC yesterday ruled out any need to ration lending in the global credit crisis, revealing that it had so far escaped the worst of the domestic economic slowdown.
Babcock & Brown shares dive on fee flow fears
Babcock & Brown, the worst- performing stock on the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index, fell on concerns that credit market turmoil may cut proceeds from asset sales to reduce debt.
Babcock plunges further
Babcock & Brown, Australia's second-largest investment bank, plunged further, falling almost a third in early trading.
St George to recommend Westpac takeover
St George Bank's board will recommend to its shareholders Westpac Banking Corporation's $19b takeover after the two lenders signed an implementation agreement.
Red Wings reward Babcock for winning...
AP - Mike Babcock's new contract allows the oldest of his three children to graduate from the same high school she's attending. And if all goes well with the Detroit Red Wings...
Tabcorp reports $164.6m loss
Tabcorp has reported a loss of $164.6 million as the Victorian Government says it won't compensate the gaming company for terminating its licence in the state.
ASX slightly firmer with banks stronger
The Australian share closed marginally firmer, with the banking sector gaining ground and a slightly positive Wall Street adding to the buoyant local tone.
Good luck hard to find as Tabcorp...
Elmer Funke Kupper took up the reins of one of the most challenged large companies on the Australian bourse last year, Tabcorp. He has since been cornered by government...
Westpac and St George Bank mull £31bn merger
Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia’s oldest company, is in talks with a smaller rival to create a A$64 billion ($£31 billion) institution with a customer base equivalent to about half the size of the country’s population.
Fairfax moves to unwind margin loan
THE Fairfax Media director John B. Fairfax has unwound a margin loan over 159 million of the publisher's shares, which was believed to have prompted short-sellers to target the stock over recent weeks.
Tabcorp suffers as whales stay home
TABCORP has reported a dramatic slump in the amount gambled by Asian high rollers visiting its casinos in the past year, because they prefer to gamble closer to home.
ASX marginally in the red
The ASX was marginally in the red at noon, with gold stocks heavily sold off for the second consecutive day on the back of a falling gold price.
Tabcorp merger with Tatts off the agenda
Gaming giant Tabcorp Holdings Ltd says a merger with Tatts Group Ltd wouldn't be beneficial to the company.
Newcrest to expand as profit surges
NEWCREST MINING has outlined plans to increase its annual production by nearly 1 million ounces within five years after adding another 15 million ounces to its reserve inventory.
Tatts flirts with Tabcorp
Tatts Group says merging parts of its business with rival Tabcorp Holdings may make sense, following tougher state controls on their operations.
Tatts boss sees benefit of Tabcorp link
Tatts Group Ltd's boss Dick McIlwain has acknowledged the potential benefits of merging some of his gaming empire at least with rival Tabcorp Holdings Ltd.