Business • Jun 26, 2025

Shell denies plans to acquire BP

Shell has shut down talk of buying out BP, calling recent merger rumors just "market speculation."
The buzz had sent BP's shares climbing, but Shell made it clear there are no plans for a deal—especially as BP is still working through some big changes and challenges.

TL;DR

Shell's takeover talk pause

Now that Shell has denied the rumors, UK rules mean it can't try to buy BP for at least six months.
All this chatter started because BP's been struggling with performance and is trying a new strategy under its current CEO.
Even so, those takeover whispers gave BP's stock a quick boost.
If anything changes—like another company making an offer—Shell could get back in the game, but for now, things are on pause.