BHP Billiton Ltd, which has been linked to a number of acquisitions recently, remained tight lipped on possible acquisition targets, declining to comment on a report that it has entered early-stage discussions with Alcan Inc.
Alcan has entered talks with BHP Billiton as it looks to fend off an unwanted takeover attempt by US rival Alcoa Inc, Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
'We don't comment on market rumours,' said London-based BHP Billiton spokesman Illtud Harri.
The company has been tied to a number of takeover rumours recently, including speculation that the miner is planning a takeover of rival Rio Tinto PLC, but the Globe and Mail story is unusual in that it cites 'people familiar'.
BHP Billiton is the world's sixth-largest producer of primary aluminium and one of the world's largest non-integrated producers of primary aluminium. Its bauxite mines, aluminium smelters and alumina refineries are based in Australia, Africa and Brazil.
Earlier today, Billiton chief executive Chip Goodyear, who is due to step down at the end of 2007, said the company is always looking for acquisitions and he refused to dismiss speculation the miner was planning to buy Rio Tinto.
Alcan late Tuesday rejected Alcoa's 28.4 bln usd hostile bid, arguing that it undervalues the company and is 'highly conditional and uncertain.'
In an interview, Alcan chief executive officer Dick Evans said all options are being considered, and he refused to rule out any scenario including one in which Alcan would turn the tables by launching its own bid for Alcoa.
BHP approached the company about a possible union late last year, but was rebuffed, sources said. Rio Tinto PLC has also been cited by several industry observers as another logical suitor for Alcan.
Officials at Alcoa declined to comment, saying they are still studying Alcan's response.
豫公网安备41010502003434号