Duke Energy Corp (DUK.N) is near $13 billion-plus deal to buy Progress Energy Inc (PGN.N), a move that would create the largest U.S. power company, sources familiar with the matter said. The U.S. power industry has seen a resurgence of deal activity in the past year -- despite high regulatory barriers -- as utility companies consolidate to cut costs and pool funds for investing in new projects, such as nuclear power plants. Duke, which has a market value of $23.6 billion, wants to buy Progress in a stock-based deal priced at a low premium to its $13.1 billion market value, one source said. The companies hope to announce a deal on Monday, according to another source, but the talks could still be delayed or even derailed.
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