Posts Tagged ‘shareholder’

  • Will Fortescue be the next miner to go offshore?

    Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

    Fortescue Metals looks like being the next Australian miner to be picked up by overseas investors.

    According to the HeraldSun, the American miner Anglo American and China Investment Corp are in talks with Fortescue Metals Group, and both were seen visiting Fortescue properties last week.

    This is the latest of a string of deals which has also seen top Australian miners Rio Tinto and OZ Minerals looking to sell substantial assets to foreign buyers.

    This deal would further add to Treasure Wayne Swan s headache regarding foreign ownership legislation, which he has signalled is soon likely to be tightened.

    Rumours of a takeover have bubbled up several times in recent months, causing spikes in the share price and requiring Fortescue to respond to ASX inquiries. Fortescue has not commented on this latest speculation.

    Stocks for your watchlist:

    • Fortescue Metals Group: FMG.AX (ASX)
    • Anglo American PLC: AAL.L (London Stock Exchange); AAUK.O (NASDAQ)
    • BHP Billiton: BHP.AX (ASX); BLT.L (London Stock Exchange); BHP.N (New York Stock Exchange)

    Further information:

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    RIO investors concerned

    Monday, February 16th, 2009

    Rio Tinto s $30 billion deal with Chinalco has angered some shareholders and institutional investors.

    Legal & General, a British based institutional investor and Rio s second largest shareholder is leading the opposition.

    Among the concerns:

    • The deal overrides the pre-emption principle, which would give existing shareholders the first option to buy new shares
    • Rio has agreed to sell assets and shares at a low price, in order to secure the deal
    • Chinalco might use its new influence to provide China with cheaper supplies of raw materials

    Some Rio Tinto shareholders are urging BHP to launch a second takeover bid for Rio, and institutional investors are promising to provide the finance in an effort to foil Rio s Chinalco deal.

    Stocks for your watchlist:

    • BHP Billiton: BHP (ASX, New York Stock Exchange); BLT (London Stock Exchange)
    • Rio Tinto: RIO (ASX, London Stock Exchange); RTP (New York Stock Exchange)

    Further Information:

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