LONDON (Reuters) - London-listed miner Anglo American said on Tuesday it has agreed a merger with Canada's Teck Resources, in what would be the biggest mining sector M&A deal in over a decade.
Under the proposed deal, which will require regulatory approval in Canada and South Africa, Anglo American shareholders would own 62.4% of the newly combined company, Anglo Teck, while shareholders in Teck will hold 37.6%. Anglo Teck will be headquartered in Canada but have a primary listing in London, the companies
said.
Anglo American's London shares were up more than 7% in early trading after the announcement, while Teck's Frankfurt-listed shares jumped almost 22%.
Both Anglo and Teck have been at the centre of takeover interest in recent years, with Glencore pursuing Teck and BHP targeting Anglo for their extensive copper portfolios.
The merger is expected to generate annual cost savings and efficiency gains of $800 million by the fourth year after completion, Anglo said. The combined market capitalisation of both companies exceeds $53 billion.
Anglo's chief executive, Duncan Wanblad, will remain CEO, while Teck’s Jonathan Price will serve as deputy CEO.
The two companies operate adjacent copper mines in Chile - Quebrada Blanca and Collahuasi - which are expected to deliver further operational benefits.
Copper demand is forecast to rise sharply, driven by the electric vehicle boom and emerging uses such as AI-powered data centres.
(Reporting by Clara Denina, Prerna Bedi and Yadarisa Shabong; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Louise Heavens, Kirsten Donovan)