Traders Greenwich Metals and Element Alpha Said to Pursue Merger

Greenwich Metals Inc. and Element Alpha SA are finalizing talks over a merger that would give the commodity traders greater heft in key markets, according to people familiar with the matter.

The two privately owned companies have been discussing a combination that would bring together Greenwich’s metals expertise with Element Alpha’s energy traders, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information.

The proposed combination comes after months of wild price swings in metals and natural gas markets. A merger would allow the firms to move larger volumes and better compete with the industry’s biggest ...