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BHP will not relent on structure, value of $49 bln Anglo offer, say sources

BHP will persevere on the structure and value of its newest takeover proposal for Anglo American, focusing rather on easing its target's issues around execution risks over the coming week, sources stated on Thursday.

The world's most significant noted mining group now has up until May 29 to make a firm bid for Anglo American or it will be required to walk away for at least 6 months under the UK's takeover rules after it was given a one-week extension on Wednesday.

Two sources who have been in talks with the miner and its advisers stated they anticipate BHP management will spend the next week properly understanding Anglo's concerns on an asset-by-asset basis with an objective to convince it on the merits of the deal.

Baden Moore, analyst at broker CLSA in Sydney, stated BHP's. objective will be to get Anglo American to consent to open its books. and allow a further extension.

They are slowly, gradually getting closer to an offer, he. said.

Anglo chairman Stuart Chambers highlighted concerns on. Wednesday about completion and execution risks in BHP's. proposition, suggesting the structure of any offer and the fate of. Anglo's services in South Africa remain big challenges.

One service that BHP has currently used is to foot the. costs to demerge Kumba Iron Ore which is expected to web. the South African government $2 billion of much needed capital. gains tax, according to a pre-due-diligence BHP quote, said. among the sources.

Last week, Anglo revealed plans to either spin-off or sell. its less successful nickel, diamond and platinum companies to. refocus on copper, and to likewise sell its coal organizations.

Because plan Anglo would require to bear those significant. spin-out expenses itself, which would ultimately be borne by its. shareholders.

If the offer does not proceed, Anglo boss Duncan Wanblad. will be under pressure to get leading dollar for its diamonds. service in particular and ensure its demergers proceed without. any hiccups, 2 financiers said. One foot wrong and BHP will be. prepared to attack, they said.

Anglo does not exist in a year's time, one way or the. other, in my mind, among the financiers said.

BHP and Anglo are having joint meetings with UK and. Australian regulators this week, a separate source told .

BHP's newest 29.34 pounds per share method, based on. undisturbed share rates at market close on April 23, valued. London-listed Anglo at 38.6 billion pounds (about $49.1. billion). The offer was still conditional on Anglo unbundling. its platinum and iron ore possessions in South Africa.

The May 29 deadline accompanies basic elections in. South Africa, where Anglo was formed and is still of significant. national value.

Shares of BHP fell 3.8% to A$ 44.47 on Thursday.

Anglo's shares closed up 0.4% at 26.98 pounds on the London. bourse on Wednesday.

(source: Reuters)