In a move that could reshape the mining sector, BHP Group, the world’s biggest mining company by market capitalisation, launched a $38.9 billion (ZAR 729 billion) bid to acquire Anglo American PLC (JSE: AGL). This potential mega-merger could mark the biggest merger in the mining sector in over a decade. Shares of Anglo American surged 19.47% last week as the deal became widely known.
The proposed all-share deal hinges on Anglo American shedding its South African platinum and iron ore holdings. BHP’s ambitions are clear: solidifying its dominance by creating the world’s largest copper producer and controlling a staggering 10% of global output, as per Reuters analysis. Copper’s vital role as an input in the green revolution is fuelling this ambitious move. With demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy projected to skyrocket, copper is expected to be a future cash cow. Anglo American’s existing copper production target of 790,000 tons in 2024 pales in comparison to the 1.9 million tons targeted by BHP over the same period. Nevertheless, this is a prize BHP desperately seeks.
However, Anglo American isn’t playing ball. They deem the offer a lowball attempt, significantly undervaluing their company and prospects. With both sides entrenched, the question remains: will BHP return with a sweeter deal, or will this ambitious plan crumble? Only time will tell if this high-stakes deal will result in the mining industry’s biggest merger or fizzle out, leaving BHP’s dreams of unrivalled dominance on hold.
Sources: Anglo American, S&P Global, Reuters, Dow Jones Newswires, TradingView
Piece Written By Nkosilathi Dube, Trive Financial Market Analyst
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