BHP buyout backed
Australian mining giant BHP says it has received approval for its $9.6 billion takeover of OZ Minerals.
BHP’s purchase of the copper-gold producer is its largest deal in more than a decade, since its $17.9 billion acquisition of Petrohawk Energy in 2011.
The acquisition will enhance BHP's exposure to copper and nickel, which are essential metals for renewable energy and electric vehicles. This strategic move will position BHP for long-term growth and value creation, according to CEO Mike Henry.
The final hurdle for the acquisition was cleared after overwhelming support from OZ Minerals' shareholders, with 98.33 per cent of the votes in favour of the transaction last week.
The deal is the third-largest in global mining in recent months, trailing Glencore's $33.5 billion bid for Teck Resources and Newmont's $29 billion offer for Newcrest.
OZ Minerals owns two copper and gold mines, Carrapateena and Prominent Hill, in South Australia, as well as the West Musgrave nickel and copper project in Western Australia.
These operations are situated near BHP's Olympic Dam copper hub and Nickel West, creating opportunities for operational synergies and cost savings.
As a result of the acquisition, shares in OZ Minerals will cease trading in Sydney on Tuesday.