US broker GFI jumps on merger talk with Tullett

LONDON, July 31 (Reuters) - Shares of GFI Group Inc GFIG.O jumped over 15 percent on Thursday on reports that it is "days away" from merging with British rival Tullett Prebon (TLPR.L) to become the world's biggest interdealer markets broker.

The deal would be structured as a merger of equals, Financial News reported on its website on Thursday, citing a source close to the talks.

GFI shares would be valued at $12.47 each, or 37.5 percent above their Wednesday closing price of $9.07, should GFI retain 50 percent of the combined company, Bank of America analysts estimated on Thursday.

Both GFI and Tullett declined to comment.

GFI shares were up 15.8 percent at $10.50 at 1422 GMT. (Reporting by Daisy Ku)