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.

A report suggesting multinational oil company Shell is in early talks to acquire fellow gas giant BP sent shockwaves through Houston's energy industry Tuesday—but Shell is firmly denying any such discussions are underway.