MF Global considers financing options -WSJ

NEW YORK, April 3 (Reuters) - MF Global Ltd (MF.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the futures and options broker whose shares surged today, is considering financing options including a sale of a minority stake, the Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site on Thursday.

The brokerage has hired Lazard Ltd. (LAZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) to help it examine options, the Journal said. It is not considering an outright sale of the company, it added.

MF Global declined to comment on market speculation today about possibly being in takeover talks. It's shares were up $1.45, or 14.4 percent, to $11.47 in late afternoon trading at the New York Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Dane Hamilton and Jonathan Stempel)

(Reuters messaging: dane.hamilton.reuters.com@reuters.com. 646 223 6161)