It comes amid speculation that ministers are ready to relax control on the cultivation of GM crops.

BBC: Owen Paterson backs UK-grown genetically modified food

The speculation was that Merck wanted to force concessions out of Bayer, trading control for choice businesses or patents from Bayer or Schering.

ECONOMIST: Two historic German drugs firms scrap for control of a third

The comments fuelled speculation that Mr Portillo had made a deal with Mr Hague to take full control over economic policy before his surprise promotion to the shadow cabinet earlier this month.

BBC: Portillo's pledge on tax

The exact reasons for the supposed switch aren't available, but there's speculation that it would be mutually beneficial for Intel and PC manufacturers: Intel would have more control over motherboard chipsets, while builders could save money on assembly and conveniently drive more outright PC sales.

ENGADGET: Intel rumored moving to non-upgradable desktop CPUs with Broadwell

This has led to speculation that Liberty Media is buying up the rest of the Sirius shares it needs to acquire full control of the company.

FORBES: Sirius Jumps To $3.15 In After-hours Trade, Liberty Media Moves Closer

The speculation is that something went wrong with the circulation of this drilling mud such that it could no longer control the reservoir pressures.

FORBES: Blowout Suspected in Transocean Rig Explosion