Global resources giant Rio Tinto has made a $3.9 billion bid for Australian coal miner Riversdale in its first big attempt at a deal since a failed iron ore merger with rival BHP Billiton.
Rio called the all-cash, $16 per share offer 'attractive' and said it already had pre-bid agreements on 14.9% of Riversdale's shares, including with a number of its directors.
'The acquisition of Riversdale is in line with our growth strategy of investing in, developing and operating large long-term cost-competitive mines and businesses,' said Rio Tinto energy chief Doug Ritchie.
Riversdale has three coal mining projects in Africa, including major operations in Mozambique. Ritchie said the bid underscored Rio's commitment to the continent, including Guinea's massive Simandou iron ore field.
Riversdale said its directors recommended the deal, which is valued at a 46% premium to the value of its shares before speculation on a tie-up with Rio started, 'in the absence of a superior proposal'.
India's Tata Steel owns 24% of Riversdale and is rumoured to be considering a rival bid, along with Brazil's Vale, which has already made significant investment of its own in Mozambique.
India is the primary target market for Riversdale's coking coal, used in steel-making, and the country's steel ministry has reportedly asked a consortium of five state-run companies to moot a bid for the Australian miner.
