Rio Tinto rejects Glencore's merger bid

Global mining major Rio Tinto today said it has rejected merger bid from diversified natural resource company Glencore.
Glencore in July this year had contacted Rio Tinto regarding a potential merger of both the mining giants, which was rejected in August.
"The board of Rio Tinto notes the recent press speculation regarding a possible combination of Rio Tinto and Glencore. The Rio Tinto board confirms that no discussions are taking place with Glencore," Rio Tinto said in a statement.
Media reports had speculated a possible merger of both the companies to create a USD 160 billion mining and trading giant.

"The Rio Tinto board, after consultation with its financial and legal advisers, concluded unanimously that a combination was not in the best interests of Rio Tinto's shareholders," Rio Tinto said.
The board's rejection was communicated to Glencore in early August and there has been no further contact between the companies on this matter, it said.

"Rio Tinto remains focused on the successful execution of its strategy, which the board of Rio Tinto is confident will continue to deliver significant and sustainable value for shareholders," it added.
Rio Tinto chairman Jan du Plessis said under the leadership of Sam Walsh and Chris Lynch, Rio Tinto has made significant progress in refocusing and strengthening its business.

"The board believes that the continued successful execution of Rio Tinto's strategy will allow Rio Tinto to increase free cash flow significantly in the near term and materially increase returns to shareholders. Rio Tinto's shareholders stand to benefit from the very considerable value that this will generate," he said.