The June 26 news comes after reports that Shell entered early talks to buy BP in what would easily represent the largest energy deal of the century—if not ever. But with Shell s

Shell denied that it was in talks to buy BP after the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the oil major was in early discussions over a takeover of its British rival.

BP shares jumped as much as 10% after the Wall Street Journal reported that rival Shell is in early talks to acquire the British oil company. Shares of BP jumped $3.11, or 10%, to $32.94 in early afternoon trading. U.S.-listed shares of Shell, which is also U.K.-based, meanwhile, slid 3%.