Coal India Ltd , the world's largest coal producer, may buy up to a 15% stake in US-based Peabody Energy Corp's Australian assets early next fiscal for an estimated USD 100 million (about Rs 450 crore). “It (deal) should not take too long a time. It should be two to three months. We are in the final stages of talks with Peabody Energy for a 15% stake for USD 100 million,” an official privy to the development, who did not wish to be named, told PTI. More or less an agreement has been reached on the valuation, the official said, adding, “We will invest in equity and in return, we will get the right for coal offtake.” CIL Chairman P S Bhattacharyya, however, refused to comment on the issue. The proposal to buy a stake in Peabody's asset will be deliberated at a meeting of a sub-committee of the company board on the state-owned firm's foreign acquisition plans, which is likely to take place this month. […]