Overview
- Rio Tinto and Glencore confirm early, non-binding talks on a possible combination, with the parties indicating a court‑sanctioned scheme of arrangement as the likely path.
- Chinalco, Rio’s largest Chinese shareholder, is reported to favor the deal for greater copper exposure, with a potential combined value near $260 billion.
- Analysts and lawyers expect Beijing to press for asset sales to address market concentration, citing the Las Bambas divestment precedent and copper marketing share estimates near 17%.
- A merged group would pair Rio’s iron-ore cash flows with Glencore’s copper portfolio and global trading arm, after BHP ruled out a competing bid.
- Under UK takeover rules, Rio has until February 5, 2026 to declare a firm intention or step back, with approvals also required in multiple jurisdictions.