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Glencore bid may trigger mining consolidation wave
Preliminary discussions between Rio Tinto and Glencore over a potential merger could catalyse further consolidation within the mining sector whilst intensifying pressure on BHP to defend its position as the world’s largest miner, said Reuters. The proposed combination would create a company valued at nearly $207bn, potentially ranking amongst the ten largest mergers and acquisitions transactions on record. Rio Tinto faces a 5 February deadline to submit a formal offer, though this timeframe may be extended. Industry observers suggest BHP, currently valued at $161bn, represents the most probable spoiler, said ... (full story)