The ANC, which saw out apartheid in South Africa 30 years ago, risked losing its absolute majority for the first time in national elections.

Royal Mail said shareholders would get 370 pence for each share held, a 73% premium to its closing share price on April 12, the day before EP’s previous offer was made public.

Merck is close to a $1.3 billion deal to buy Eyebiotech, whose lead drug, Restoret, is in development to treat eye conditions including a form of age-related macular degeneration.

Hess shareholders voted to approve a $53 billion deal to sell the company to Chevron, clearing a hurdle for the oil companies to combine, though a challenge by Exxon still threatens to sink a merger agreement.

BHP said a further deadline extension is needed before it can reach an agreement with Anglo American on a $50 billion takeover of its London-based rival.

Bouygues Telecom said a dispute between SFR and La Poste could have an impact on the timetable for completion of the La Poste Telecom deal.