There seems to be no end to excitement on the Rio Tinto/BHP Billiton front.
Rio Tinto's UK Takeover Panel Executive ruled a deadline of 6 February 2008 for BHP Billiton to ‘either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Rio Tinto or to announce that it does not intend to make an offer for Rio Tinto'.
In a statement to the stock exchange today, BHP responded that it is considering its options in light of the deadline.
"There can be no assurance that BHP Billiton will progress its proposal to Rio Tinto or that any offer for Rio Tinto will be made," BHP Billiton said.
The mining giant said it continues to seek to engage in discussions with Rio Tinto with a view to obtaining the support and recommendation of the board of Rio Tinto for its proposal.
Rio Tinto rose $2.77 (or 2.15%) to $131.32 by 12.17pm AEST.
BHP Billiton added 75 cents (or 1.9%) to $40.40 at 12.18pm AEST.
