Jan 13 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers, acquisitions...

Jan 13 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals were reported by 1030 GMT on Thursday:

** Japan's Hitachi Ltd 6501.T will sell about half its 51% stake in unit Hitachi Construction Machinery Co 6305.T to trading firm Itochu Corp 8001.T and investment fund Japan Industrial Partners, public broadcaster NHK reported.

** Australia's biggest casino operator, Crown Resorts Ltd (CWN) , said its board was likely to back an improved A$8.87 billion ($6.46 billion) buyout proposal from U.S. private equity firm Blackstone Inc BX.N unless a higher offer emerged.

** Colombia's Grupo Gilinski is to become the second-largest shareholder in Grupo SURA SIS.CN and Nutresa NCH.CN after securing 25.42% and 27.69% of each company's shares respectively, the Colombian Stock Exchange said in two separate statements on Wednesday.