Talk of raid by China lifts BHP

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The bid by BHP for rival Rio Tinto has alarmed Chinese companies, who fear that the combination of two of the world's biggest miners would push up the prices of raw materials.

In February, Chinese aluminum group Chinalco staged a $14 billion (£7.08 billion) raid on 12% of Rio Tinto's London-listed stock.

BHP's Aussie shares hit A$48.54 at one point today before falling back to A$48.06, up almost 5%.

Chief executive Marius Kloppers earlier suggested that he may add cash to the unwelcome bid for Rio. He told CNBC Television: "We can't rule out anything."

The three-for-one share offer that Rio says is inadequate is now worth $177 billion. Kloppers says his bid is already more attractive as commodity prices - particularly oil - have soared in recent months.