Jci Expects Lonrho Merger

Mzi Khumalo, chairman of JCI, South Africas first black controlled mining house, said on Wednesday he was confident of reaching an agreement pretty soon to merge with Lonrho, the UK-listed conglomerate. The talks could lead to the creation of a 2 billion ($3.2 billion) group with interests covering gold, coal and platinum. Khumalo, who flew back to Johannesburg on Wednesday, said he would return to London on Monday for what he hopes will be final talks. JCI wants a broad agreement pretty soon. After that we can handle the detailed, technical work, he said.