21st Dec 2007 16:37
Takeover Panel21 December 2007 2007/42 Rio Tinto PLC ("Rio Tinto") BHP BILLITON PLC ("BHP") Following recent representations made by the advisers to Rio Tinto, the PanelExecutive has been considering the application of Rule 2.4(b) of the Code to theapproach by BHP to Rio Tinto. Following discussions with both parties'advisers, the Panel Executive has ruled that, unless the Panel Executiveconsents otherwise, BHP must, by 5.00pm on 6 February 2008, either announce afirm intention to make an offer for Rio Tinto under Rule 2.5 of the Code orannounce that it does not intend to make an offer for Rio Tinto. In the eventthat BHP announces that it does not intend to make an offer for Rio Tinto, BHPand any person acting in concert with it will, except with the consent of thePanel Executive, be bound by the restrictions contained in Rule 2.8 of the Codefor six months from the date of such announcement. Each of the parties has accepted this ruling. 21 December 2007 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
BHP GroupRio Tinto