Analysts have dismissed the idea that Barclays could merge with rival Standard Chartered, following reports on Wednesday that a tie-up is being considered by the board. According to an article in the Financial Times, Barclays management has explored the option as part of broad contingency planning in the wake of activist investor Edward Bramson taking a 5.2% stake in the bank. Bramson, whose holding came to light in March, is a well-known name in the City of London who has in the past successfully pushed through change at financial institutions including Electra Private Equity, F&C Asset Management and 3i Group. Barclays has already met with Bramson, whose strategic proposals for the bank remain unclear; analysts predict he will focus his attention on Barclays' investment banking business, which has struggled in recent years but retains the strong support of chief executive Jes Staley. The FT, citing unnamed sources, reports that hypothetical tie-ups with the likes of Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse have also been considered by Barclays' board. Other plans on the table include larger shareholder returns and the expansion of its ring-fenced UK business.via