Halliburton's aggressive cost-cut claims outdo other buyers for year

New York

OF ALL the megamergers announced this year, Halliburton Co's US$35 billion takeover of Baker Hughes Inc is promising the most aggressive cost cuts.

Halliburton, an oilfield-services provider, says it can slash US$2 billion after acquiring its similar-sized rival. That's the biggest estimate of any deal valued at US$20 billion or more that's been announced this year, according to Bloomberg data.