Market Chatter -- Corporate finance press digest

LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - The following corporate finance-related stories involving U.S. and European companies were reported by media on Tuesday:

** Healthcare group Assura (AGRP.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is in talks with investors to raise about 200 million pounds to fund its investment programme, the Daily Telegraph reported.

** Japanese investment bank Daiwa SMBC is setting up a derivatives business in London and Asia to take advantage of western banking woes, the Financial Times reported. (Reporting by Daisy Ku)