Report: Carl Icahn energy firm may bid for refiner

A slumping refinery business controlled by activist investor Carl Icahn is reportedly set to make a bid for another struggling refiner and gas station operator, Delek U.S. Holdings, boosting shares of both companies.

Icahn's CVR Energy is poised to make an offer for Brentwood, Tenn.-based Delek, the New York Post reported, citing an anonymous source.

Delek shares surged 13.2% to $16.85 shortly after the opening bell Friday. Sugar Land, Texas-based CVR's stock jumped 4.1% to $14.29.

Both companies have come under financial pressure amid crude oil's descent.

Delek last week reported a second quarter net loss of $7 million, a year after turning a profit of $48.2 million. CVR Energy recorded second-quarter net income of $28.4 million, down 72.1% from a year earlier.

Angie Dasbach, CVR Energy vice president for corporate affairs, declined to comment. A Delek spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

Follow Paste BN reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.