Deals of the day-Mergers and acquisitions

Monte dei Paschi di Siena BMPS.MI launched simultaneous all-share takeover bids worth about €34 billion ($39.8 billion) for rival Banco BPM BAMI.MI and wealth manager Banca Generali BGN.MI, escalating a battle reshaping Italy's banking sector.

Australian investment manager EQT Holdings EQT.AX said it had received an A$663.1 million ($471.93 million) proposal from BGH Capital, topping a TPG Global offer made earlier this week and sending its shares to a six-month high.

James Hardie JHA1.F, JHX.AX said it will sell its European walling and flooring business Fermacell to Swiss building materials supplier for () and plans to close its European fibre cement business.