UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
|
BHP BILLITON LIMITED (ABN 49 004 028 077) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA (Address of principal executive offices) |
BHP BILLITON PLC (REG. NO. 3196209) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
ENGLAND AND WALES (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (Address of principal executive offices) |
| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: [x] Form 20-F [ ] Form 40-F |
| Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [ ] |
| Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [ ] |
| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: [ ] Yes [x] No |
| If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a |
8 November 2007
Number 32/07
MARKET SPECULATION
BHP Billiton notes the recent speculation in relation to a potential offer for Rio Tinto at a premium.
BHP Billiton now confirms that it recently wrote to the Board of Rio Tinto outlining a proposal in relation to a potential combination with Rio Tinto on terms incorporating a premium, reflecting its confidence in the benefits for both sets of shareholders of such a transaction. In preparing its proposal, BHP Billiton has examined in detail the regulatory issues and other practicalities of a combination.
In its letter, BHP Billiton sought to pursue discussions with Rio Tinto regarding its proposal. Rio Tinto rejected the proposal.
BHP Billiton has again written to Rio Tinto and intends to continue to seek an opportunity to meet and discuss its proposal with Rio Tinto. There can be no assurance that any transaction or offer will result from BHP Billiton's proposal.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com
|
Australia |
United Kingdom Andre Liebenberg, Investor Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974 email: Andre.Liebenberg@bhpbilliton.com |
| Jane Belcher, Investor
Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 417 031 653 email: Jane.H.Belcher@bhpbilliton.com United
States |
Illtud Harri, Media
Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246 email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com South
Africa |
| BHP Billiton Limited ABN
49 004 028 077 Registered in Australia Registered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Telephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015 |
BHP Billiton Plc
Registration number 3196209 Registered in England and Wales Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111 |
The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia
| Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. |
| BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc | ||
| Date: 8 November 2007 | By: |
Jane McAloon |
| Name: | Jane McAloon | |
| Title: | Group Company Secretary |