Baker Hughes Shares Jump On WSJ Report Of Merger Talks

Shares of Baker Hughes soared 16% Thursday after The Wall Street Journal reported that the company was in talks to be acquired by fellow oil-field services company Halliburton . Halliburton's stock gained 1.1%. The WSJ reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that the companies could reach an agreement soon, although the price being discussed could not be learned. Baker Hughes' stock was halted briefly, starting at 3:34 p.m. ET, until it resumed trading at 3:49 p.m.