LONDON - Mining giant Xstrata’s offer to merge with Anglo American may spur consolidation in the sector, analysts say, adding that Brazil’s Vale and Aluminum Corp. of China may consider similar acquisitions. Xstrata and Anglo are seen as the last diversified mining groups that would allow an acquirer to compete with BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Vale.
LONDON - Mergers are back on the map for mining firms, whether Xstrata succeeds in merging with rival Anglo American or not. The $36.5 billion offer may spark consolidation among other mining firms as they compete for access to resources at a time of rising demand for commodities.