BP <BP> STARTS BID FOR STANDARD OIL <SRD> SHARES
British Petroleum Co PLC said it has
started its previously announced 7.4 billion dlr offer to
purchase the 45 pct interest in Standard Oil Co that it does
not already own for 70 dlrs per share.
    In a newspaper advertisement, the company said the offer,
which is not conditioned on receipt of any minimum number of
shares, and associated withdrawal rights will expire April 28
unless extended.
    BP said it is asking Standard Oil for the use of its
shareholder list in disseminating the offer, on which the
Standard board has not yet taken a position.
 Reuter
