A tie-up involving London-listed Tullow and Toronto-listed Meren would have created a group with a formidable presence in African oil production, Sky News learns.
Russia is the most sanctioned economy in the world, but more than three years into its supposed isolation the shelves are still stocked with Western goods.
Supporters say the plans could help prevent firms from being paid tens of millions of pounds to stop producing energy, while opponents have dismissed the idea as an unnecessary distraction.
Roughly 250 of the discounter's shops will switch to paying zero rent if the High Court approves a restructuring plan sponsored by its new owner, Gordon Brothers, Sky News learns.
Sir Sadiq Khan's previous attempt to ban traffic from Oxford Street was blocked by a Conservative council. He now has less opposition with Labour running the local authority and central government.
Four out of five people in the UK are thought to own at least one smart appliance, with some manufacturers "pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable on privacy".