Talks are continuing about the possibility of a merger of Australia's two largest grain companies.
ABB's managing director Michael Iwaniw and AWB's managing director Gordon Davis have openly said that they would be keen to pursue the idea.
With both companies posting significant profits this year – ABB announced a full-year net profit of $48.8 million on Tuesday and AWB posted a $64.3m profit last week – it would create a company with the lion's share of market capitalisation in the Australian grain market.
And with the first year of a completely deregulated grain market causing angst for a number of growers, there is probably an attraction for many in dealing with a company that combines Australia's previous single desk marketers for wheat and barley.
Mr Iwaniw said any merger or acquisition would have to benefit shareholders.
* Extract from a report in Stock Journal, SA, November 27 issue.