BHP Billiton's hostile takeover bid for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan has run into its first major hurdle. The $38.6 billion deal is the focus of a key report that the Canadian government is to receive this week.
The report by an independent think tank is based on the economic impact of the sale. It will analyse if the sale will benefit the province or not. The findings of this report will be binding on any judgement given by the federal government of Canada on allowing the takeover to proceed.
BHP Billiton and Potash Corp are already at logger heads over a court action initiated by Potash Corp against BHP Billiton accusing the largest miner in the world of providing false and misleading statements in order to bring down the company's share price value. Many experts saw this as a bid to hold off the BHP Billiton takeover bid till China could respond with its own bid.
Unfortunately Sinochem, the Chinese state backed chemical company has been unable to assemble a consortium which would be able to offer for Potash Corp and become its white knight. Analysts say that Beijing is unable to decide if the deal is important enough.
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Joel, originally from the UK, emigrated to Australia in 1995 and spent 5 years working in the mining industry as an exploration Geo-technician where he developed skills in GIS Mapping and CAD.
Joel also spent a year working underground in a gold/copper mine. Upon moving to the North Coast of NSW, Australia Joel worked as a graphic designer for a leading consultancy firm before starting a successful business providing graphic and web design services to local businesses on the eastern seaboard of Australia.
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