Mining behemoth BHP Billiton could be ready to make a $55 a share cash offer for Alabama-based 'pure play' metallurgical coal producer Walter Energy, according to the Daily Mail market report.
However, when contacted BHP remained tight-lipped, a spokesperson said: "It is market speculation and not something we care to comment on."
On November 29th, at its annual general meeting, BHP Billiton sounded a cautious note saying that while there have been signs of stabilisation, markets remain tough.
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Chairman Jac Nasser said that financial and economic problems continue to be felt across the world and "it's difficult to predict how and when they will be resolved but we do expect it to take considerable time".
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Older renters £2,000 worse-off than homeowners – the risks of renting in retirementThere are financial risks to renting in your golden years, research suggests
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Waspi women targeted in fake compensation scamThe Waspi campaign has warned of a steep rise in fraudulent websites which claim compensation is available for 1950s-born women affected by state pension age changes
