Almost there for Chase and Flemings

Inside sources at Chase and Flemings confirm that friendly talks are underway and that due diligence has already started. Given that extensive due diligence was completed on the Flemings group a year and a half ago when Flemings bought out Jardine's stake in the Asian business, the process should be quicker than most other bank mergers. There are few overlapping operations between Chase and Flemings, so there will not be protracted negotiations between the two sides as to which banker…