Alcan Agrees to Merge with Rio Tinto

Article Excerpt

ALCAN INC. $103 (Toronto symbol AL; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Shares outstanding: 360.0 million; Market cap: $32.8 billion; SI Rating: Average) has accepted a $101 U.S.-a-share ($106.40 Canadian) all-cash takeover offer from Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto Ltd. The new offer is roughly 33% higher than U.S.-based Alcoa Inc.’s hostile cashand- stock bid, which is currently worth $80 (Canadian). Alcoa is a leading producer of bulk aluminum and specialized products, so it would face more scrutiny from competition regulators than Rio Tinto. But it could undoubtedly satisfy the regulators by selling some assets. The potential savings from an Alcan takeover could spur Alcoa to raise its offer, which now expires on August 10, 2007. However, Alcan has agreed to pay Rio Tinto a $1.05 billion U.S. (roughly $3 U.S. a share) break-up fee if does not go through with the merger. That may scare off Alcoa and other potential bidders. Alcan is still a hold. hold…