Xstrata Plc announces that it received formal notification on 4 March 2010 by Glencore International AG (“Glencore”) of Glencore’s exercise of its option to acquire the Prodeco coal operations.
Under the option agreement, Glencore will pay Xstrata $2.25 billion in cash upon completion of the sale to Glencore pursuant to the exercise of the option, plus any profits accrued but not distributed to Xstrata during the period 1 January 2009 to the completion date and the net balance of any cash invested by Xstrata.
Mick Davis, Xstrata plc Chief Executive, said: “The acquisition of the Prodeco operations last year facilitated an orderly rights issue process during very challenging market conditions. Glencore’s decision to exercise its option provides Xstrata’s shareholders with a robust cash return on the initial purchase price and provides additional financial flexibility as Xstrata’s capital expenditure programme ramps up to deliver 50% volume growth by 2014, including a 50% increase in coal and copper production and a doubling of current nickel volumes.”
