symbion...one minute to midnight bid

[Dow Jones] Spokesman for API (API.AU) says talks planned today with rival Sigma (SIP.AU). Move may suggest API may be warming to Sigma's A$2.50/share takeover after spurning initial A$2.20/share bid two weeks ago. API's two largest shareholders, Washington H. Soul Pattinson (SOL.AU) and IWPE Nominees, are yet to strike a deal with Sigma, but The Age today quotes WHSP Chairman Robert Millner saying he would accept Sigma's new offer provided no higher bid was made. Rival Symbion (SYB.AU) hasn't ruled out a bid and told Dow Jones this week it's prepared to wait until "one minute to midnight." API last trade A$2.62. (SVM)