((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
(Addition of Ayvens; update of Banco BPM)
The following deals, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures were reported at 2000 GMT on Thursday:
** Ayvens AYV.PA , the auto leasing unit of French bank Société Générale SOGN.PA , is drawing interest from investment firms exploring a potential bid for the company, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the subject.
** German plastics and chemicals maker Covestro 1COV.DE said its board of directors and supervisory board support Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's (ADNOC) takeover offer for $16 .3 billion dollars.
** An offer from the third Italian bank Banco BPM
BAMI.MI to acquire full control of fund manager Anima Holding ANIM.MI sent shares of both banks soaring.
** Norway's Equinor EQNR.OL said it had agreed to buy Sval Energi's 11.8% stake in the Halten East Unit offshore development project in the Norwegian Sea, bringing its stake to 69 .5%.
**Australia's competition regulator has cleared the reverse takeover of Sigma Healthcare SIG.AX by private pharmacy chain Chemist Warehouse, paving the way for the creation of an A$8.8 billion entity ($5.78 billion) after a year of waiting.
** Avid Bioservices CDMO.O said on Wednesday it would be acquired by funds managed by GHO Capital Partners and Ampersand Capital Partners in a deal valued at about $1.1 billion.
