GE in discussion with Baker Hughes on potential partnerships

General Electric Co said on Thursday it was in discussion with the No. 3 oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Inc on potential partnerships. Baker Hughes shares, which had jumped nearly 14 percent in extended trading after the Wall Street Journal had reported that General Electric was in talks to buy the company, pared some gains and were up about 7 percent. The Journal had reported that GE has approached Baker Hughes about a takeover.