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China's Sinosteel has started a hostile, all-cash offer for Australian iron ore prospector Midwest in a deal that values Midwest at US$1.2 billion ($1.5 billion), as it aims to lock up scarce iron ore supplies.
The offer, the first hostile approach by a Chinese firm in Australia's mining sector, was pitched at A$5.60 a share, a 35 per cent premium to Midwest's close on Thursday.
Midwest shares surged more than 31 per cent to A$5.48 a share yesterday after the bid.
"This is the first time a Chinese partner has actually gone in to take the whole company and maybe it's an omen of things to come in the near future," said D.J. Carmichael & Co analyst James Wilson.
Sinosteel, a steel commodities trader, already owns 19.9 per cent of Midwest and is a joint venture partner in Midwest's Mt Weld prospect, one of the Australian firm's five projects.
Sinosteel is offering around A$954 million for the remaining shares, based on shares on issue.
It said it has already received Australian Foreign Investment Review Board approval for the bid.
China, with its bustling economy, has emerged as the world's top steel maker with a growing appetite for imported ore to feed its mills. "Iron ore prices are rising fast and it's in the best interest of Chinese companies to get into companies like Midwest as soon as possible," Wilson said.
The offer hinges on a minimum 50.1 per cent acceptance and Sinosteel receiving Chinese regulatory approvals.
The bid comes after Midwest last month rejected a previous attempt by Sinosteel to win the company's support for an agreed bid, also at an indicative price of A$5.60 each.
A plan for a merger between Midwest and Murch-ison Metals also collapsed last month after Murchison failed to win over Midwest's board.
Sinosteel's president Tianwen Huang said the offer would be highly attractive to Midwest shareholders.
"We have made this offer directly to Midwest shareholders as we firmly believe it provides Midwest shareholders with the opportunity to realise certain value in cash for their shares at a significant premium to historical trading levels," he said.
JPMorgan is advising Sinosteel, and EXIM Bank of China has committed to provide the funding for the deal.
- REUTERS
