Rio Tinto stock slips on Glencore merger talks as Feb 5 takeover clock looms
Rio Tinto shares dropped 3% to 6,006p in London Friday after confirming early talks with Glencore, whose stock surged 10%. The potential merger would create a $207 billion company, overtaking BHP, and could prompt a counterbid. Rio faces a Feb. 5 deadline to make a firm offer. Both companies cautioned there is no certainty of a deal.