LONDON - BHP Billiton PLC would not be drawn into commenting on press reports that it has revived its interest in US aluminium producer Alcoa Inc and is weighing the potential of an offer. "We will continue to assess all opportunities, but we don't comment on specific rumour," a spokesman for the company said, adding that it already has a big pipeline of internal growth projects.
Diversified mining rival Rio Tinto PLC and Canadian aluminium producer Alcan Inc have both been named as BHP targets in the consolidation rumour mill that has been circulating for the last few months.
Alcan recently rejected a 33 bln usd bid from Alcoa, and BHP was reportedly in talks with Alcan to fend off the hostile cash-and-shares offer, although at the time the company remained tight-lipped about possible acquisition targets.
The Times newspaper reported that the revival of interest in Alcoa comes as current chief executive Chip Goodyear prepares to step down in October, to be replaced by executive director Marius Kloppers.
He is said to have favoured returning cash to shareholders, highlighted by the surprise 10 bln usd buyback announced in February this year.
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