Global major Rio Tinto has launched a $US2.7B cash bid to take a direct majority stake in the massive Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project in Mongolia, making a non-binding proposal to take 100% ownership of its 51%-owned subsidiary Turquoise Hill.
The Canadian-based company holds 66% of Oyu Tolgoi, with the remaining 34% held by the Mongolian government. Rio Tinto, which manages the operation, currently derives its effective 33% interest from its Turquoise stake.
Rio is offering Turquoise minority shareholders $C34 per share, representing a 32% to its Toronto SE closing.
Chief executive Jakob Stausholm says the push for a simpler and more efficient ownership structure demonstrates its belief in the long-term success of Oyu Tolgoi and Mongolia.
RIO TINTO SEEKS MORE EFFICIENT OYU TOLGOI PARTNERSHIP - |