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The recent flurry of deal activity in the energy industry -- $130 billion so far this year and counting -- is once again making them the most valuable clients for the world's merger advisers, Breakingviews says.

The recent flurry of deal activity in the energy industry -- $130 billion so far this year and counting -- is once again making them the most valuable clients for the world's merger advisers, Breakingviews says.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain proposed changes to the country's takeover rules on Monday that could make it more difficult to acquire British companies.

Macarthur Coal of Australia said Wednesday that it rejected a $3 billion bid by Peabody Energy, citing rising demand for coal as it tried to stave off the latest attempt by a foreign firm to invest in Australian energy reserves.