Shares in Lonmin surged up to 34 percent on Friday after the platinum producer said it had held talks in London which could lead to a possible takeover.

The London-based group issued a statement on the JSE's news service stressing "that these discussions are at a very preliminary stage and there is no certainty that any offer will be forthcoming".

It did not name the potential suitor but according to Business Day on Monday, analysts say Swiss-based Xstrata was a possible candidate.

Lonmin owns four platinum mines in South Africa.

Lonmin shares rose 28.6 percent higher on the JSE, valuing the company at R41.45-billion, according to Business Report.

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