News: Whitehaven in merger talks with Aston

.

Whitehaven Coal Limited (ASX:WHC) has confirmed it’s in talks with Aston Resource Limited (ASX:AZT) about a potential merger, worth $4.7 billion.



Managing director Tony Haggarty says Whitehaven’s investigating value enhancing opportunities, but discussions are incomplete and he can’t guarantee an agreement will be reached.



It’s second time around for merger discussions between the two groups, they unsuccessfully discussed a merger before Aston’s float in August last year.



Whitehaven Coal Limited (ASX:WHC) posted a profit of almost $10 million in the 2011 financial year.