Layton says if Alcoa acquires Alcan, headquarters should be in Montreal

NDP Leader Jack Layton says Alcoa's international headquarters should be based in Montreal if the company successfully acquires Alcan Inc. (TSX:AL).

Alcoa recently made a hostile US$33 billion offer for Alcan after failing to reach a negotiated deal in almost two years of private talks.

Layton says foreign companies that buy businesses in Canada should become Canadian.

Alcoa's offer states that Montreal would become the combined company's global headquarters for primary products and related research and development.

Alcan is expected to formally respond to the offer by Tuesday.