Proposed new merger and acquisition rules will give buyers more flexibility and boost M&A activity in China, the South China Morning Post reported. The China Securities Regulatory Commission proposal allows companies to use stock or assets, as well as cash, for new acquisitions. As the government's share reform program � which aims to convert all government-owned, non-tradeable shares into ordinary equity � reaches its conclusion, the new rules will make it even easier for government bodies to sell company stakes.