Benzinga's Weekend M&A Chatter

The following are the M&A deals, rumors and chatter circulating on Wall Street for Friday October 23 through Sunday October 25, 2015: Astoria Financial Exploring Potential Sale The Rumor:
Astoria Financial Corp. AF, is exploring a potential sale, according to sources as reported by Bloomberg on Friday. Shares of the Lake Success, NY-based holding company for Astoria Bank, surged higher following the report. Astoria Financial has reportedly hired Sandler O'Neill to assist in the sale process. Astoria Financial had no comment. Astoria Financial closed at $17.64, up more than 3%. Kellogg Near Deal to Acquire Diamond Foods The Rumor:
Kellogg Co. N is in late-stage to acquire Diamond Foods DMND according to sources, as reported by The New York Post on Friday. has learned. Kellogg has reportedly offered less than $40 per share. Last month, it was reported that Diamond Foods had hired Credit Suisse to assist in finding a potential buyer for the entire company, or possibly its Kettle potato chip unit. Both companies declined comment on the latest rumor Diamond Foods closed at $34.99 Friday, up 6.5%. Diebold to Sell N. America Electronic Security Business to Securitas for ~$350M The Deal:
Diebold, Incorporated DBD announced Sunday, it has agreed to sell its North America electronic security business to Securitas AB SCTBF for approximately $350 million. 10% of the sale price is dependent upon successful transference of certain customer relationships to Securitas. The deal is expected to close during Q1 of 2016. Diebold closed at $36.86 Friday, up 3%.