The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals involving European and U.S. companies were reported by 0730 GMT on Thursday.

** Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has agreed to acquire Australian coal producer Excel Coal Ltd for about $1.34 billion. [nWEN0605]

** Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has concluded its acquisition of 80 percent of Iscar Ltd's Iscar Metalworking Companies in a deal valued at $5 billion. The remaining 20 percent will be owned by the Wertheimer family. {nWEN0609]

** Live Nation Inc. (LYV.N: Quote, Profile, Research), the largest live entertainment company in the US, will buy House of Blues parent HOB Entertainment Inc for $350 million, broadening their base in the concert business. [nN05333108]

** British business-to-business delivery company DX services Plc (DXS.L: Quote, Profile, Research) has agreed to a takeover offer worth 349 million pounds ($644 million) from Mail Acquisitions Ltd, a vehicle controlled by Candover Partners (CDI.L: Quote, Profile, Research). [nL06835248]

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