All-cash proposal for full Turquoise Hill ownership

(Posted on 18/03/22)

Rio Tinto has made a non-binding proposal to the Turquoise Hill Board to acquire the approximately 49% of the issued and outstanding shares of Turquoise Hill that Rio Tinto does not currently own (the “Proposed Transaction”). Under the terms of the Proposed Transaction, Turquoise Hill minority shareholders would receive C$34 in cash per Turquoise Hill share, representing a premium of 32% to Turquoise Hill’s last closing share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange. This proposal would value the Turquoise Hill minority share capital at approximately US$2.7 billion.

The Proposed Transaction follows the recent comprehensive agreement reached between Rio Tinto, Turquoise Hill and the Government of Mongolia to move the Oyu Tolgoi project forward, reset the relationship between the partners and approve commencement of underground operations. It would simplify the Oyu Tolgoi ownership structure, strengthen Rio Tinto’s copper portfolio, and reinforce its long-term commitment to Mongolia. In addition, the Proposed Transaction provides Turquoise Hill minority shareholders with the ability to realise compelling, immediate and certain value for their shares at a time when uncertainties inherent in the development of the underground operations and funding of such development remain.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said “Rio Tinto strongly believes in the long-term success of Oyu Tolgoi and Mongolia, and delivering for all stakeholders over the long-term. That is why we want to increase our interest in Oyu Tolgoi, simplify the ownership structure, and further strengthen Rio Tinto’s copper portfolio. We believe the terms of proposal are compelling for Turquoise Hill shareholders.

“The Proposed Transaction would enable Rio Tinto to work directly with the Government of Mongolia to move the Oyu Tolgoi project forward with a simpler and more efficient ownership and governance structure. With our relationship reset and the underground operations commenced, this transaction demonstrates our clear and unequivocal long-term commitment to Mongolia.”

Rio Tinto looks forward to working constructively with the Turquoise Hill Board to progress the Proposed Transaction. Should Turquoise Hill investors not accept the Proposed Transaction, Rio Tinto welcomes their continued investment and equal share of future risks and funding obligations.

Rio Tinto’s proposal to the Turquoise Hill Board will be filed promptly with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in the United States. The Proposed Transaction, which is expected to be conducted by way of a Canadian plan of arrangement, will be subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by a majority of the votes cast by Turquoise Hill minority shareholders. The Proposed Transaction is not subject to any financing condition or due diligence.

No agreement has been reached between Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill, and there can be no assurance that any transaction will result from these discussions. Even if a transaction is agreed, there can be no assurances as to its terms, structure or timing.

Credit Suisse, RBC Capital Markets and Rothschild & Co are acting as financial advisors to Rio Tinto, and McCarthy Tétrault LLP and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP are acting as legal advisors. Rio Tinto and its advisors stand ready to work with the Turquoise Hill Board of Directors to agree to the terms of, and implement, the Proposed Transaction. 

Latest News

Anglo American completes Serpentina premium iron ore transaction

Anglo American plc has announced the completion of the transaction to combine the Serra da Serpentina... Read more

BHP Group Investor Relations Officer appointed

BHP has appointed Mark Bendall as Group Investor Relations Officer, effective 1 April 2025.Mr Bendall... Read more

Fertilizers Europe welcomes EU Members requests for tariffs on Russian fertilizers

Fertilizers Europe, the voice of the European fertilizer industry, has welcomed and fully supports the... Read more

The Cultured Hub opens its state-of-the-art biotech facility in Switzerland

The Cultured Hub officially opens its doors today, marking a milestone for the global cellular agriculture... Read more

New partnership agreement to study low carbon aluminium project in Finland

Rio Tinto has entered into a partnership agreement with the Swedish investment company Vargas, Mitsubishi... Read more

Italian steel handling specialist Transped boosts efficiency

Transped S.p.A. has ordered a Konecranes Gottwald Generation 6 mobile harbour crane to expand its handling... Read more

Cargill transforms Singapore Innovation Center to meet evolving needs

To advance innovation and further contribute to Asia’s vibrant food ecosystem, Cargill is bolstering... Read more

Cargill surpasses one million enrolled acres in Cargill RegenConnect

Cargill RegenConnect has surpassed one million enrolled acres for the 2025 U.S. planting season, a milestone... Read more

Agreements to accelerate decarbonisation of steelmaking in Europe

Rio Tinto has entered into definitive agreements with GravitHy, an early-stage industrial company, to... Read more

Partnership to trial battery swap technology in mine operations

Rio Tinto will partner with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to demonstrate battery... Read more