A roundup of the rest of today's business news in brief

BP in talks with Russian state-controlled oil firm Rosneft

BP, recovering from its Gulf of Mexico oil spill, has said it is in talks with Russian state-controlled oil company Rosneft about a possible deal, sending the British company’s shares up 3 per cent.

Sky News television reported that Rosneft will take a pretty significant stake in BP, while a source familiar with the matter said the planned deal would involve the two companies jointly exploring for oil and gas in Russia and other places.

BP chief executive Bob Dudley was in Moscow yesterday for a “routine” meeting with Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin.

The focus on Russia is coming full circle for Mr Dudley, who was forced to flee Russia in 2008 after heading BP’s Russian joint venture, TNK-BP, which is half-owned by BP. He had been the boss for TNK-BP’s formation in 2003 and was forced to leave due to what he called a campaign of harassment by BP-TNKs billionaire oligarch co-owners. – (Bloomberg)

REO talks to Nama over business plan

Property investor Real Estate Opportunities (REO) is continuing talks about its proposed business plan with State loans agency, Nama.

The company said in a statement yesterday that it has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the agency, that is non-binding and intended to form the basis for continuing negotiations.

Nama will monitor the group's performance to ensure that it adheres to the memorandum.

Swiss Centre for sale at £200m

The Swiss Centre, a building on London's Leicester Square that is due to be converted to a hotel and shops, has been put on the market for more than £200 million (€237 million).

The property's owner, Tyrone-based McAleer and Rushe Group, appointed Jones Lang LaSalle to conduct the sale, according to a spokesman for the developer.

McAleer and Rushe bought the building in the West End district for £47 million.

Court approves Zumo proposal

The High Court has approved a survival plan for the company operating Zumo Juice and Smoothie bars in the Republic.

Mediterranean Food and Wine Ltd, the company operating Zumo Juice and Smoothie bars, was granted the protection of the High Court from creditors last October.

Yesterday, Mr Justice Brian McGovern made orders approving a scheme by the examiner Neil Hughes aimed at allowing the firm continue to trade as a going concern.