AFX NEWS BRIEFING: Mergers and acquisitions highlights to 09:20 BST.

(From AFX Europe (Focus))

2006-09-13 09:10:45 No decision on takeover bid for China's Guangdong Dev Bank - Societe Generale

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - China has not yet made a final decision on which rival banking group will gain control of Guangdong Development Bank, a senior official of Societe Generale said. 2006-09-13 09:09:56 Amorim Energia raises Galp Energia stake to 31.6 pct by buying REN's 18.3 pct

LISBON (AFX) - Portuguese oil and gas group Galp Energia, which is due to launch its initial public offering next month, said Amorim Energia has implemented an agreement to acquire the 18.3 pct owned by national grid company Rede Electrica Nacional, raising its holding to 31.6 pct. 2006-09-13 08:55:33 BPVN CEO open on governance issue to reach tie-up with Popolare Italiana

MILAN (AFX) - Banco Popolare di Verona e Novara CEO Fabio Innocenzi said that he is open to discuss governance and other issues with Banca Popolare Italiana in order to reach a merger agreement. 2006-09-13 08:53:47 Mother Bidco claims 64.14 pct of McCarthy & Stone, offer extended to Sept 19

LONDON (AFX) - Mother Bidco Limited, a consortium led by Bank of Scotland and comprising private equity groups Aldersgate Investments and West Coast Capital, said it has extended its 1,075 pence per share offer for McCarthy & Stone PLC again to Sept 19. 2006-09-13 08:44:12 Safran exploring all options for its mobile phone …