News Release
26 April 2001
Anglo American plc ("AA plc") announces that it has sold 165,248,324 shares in
Billiton Plc ("Billiton"), representing its entire stake (7.1% of the issued
share capital) by means of a placing to institutions and other eligible
investors. AA plc appointed Goldman Sachs International to manage the placing.
On 6 December 2000, AA plc announced an agreement to dispose of the majority of
its 20.6% stake in FirstRand Limited ("FirstRand") as part of its previously
announced programme of disposal of non core assets. AA plc acquired its holding
in Billiton and 51 million shares in Gold Fields Limited from Remgro Limited,
an investment holding company, in consideration for 834 million shares in
FirstRand (15.3% of the issued share capital).
At the close of business on 6 December 2000, Billiton's share price was 254.5
pence per share, valuing the stake that AA plc had agreed to acquire at
GBP420.6 million (US$605.6 million). The placing was made at a price of 317
pence per share, realising gross proceeds of GBP523.8 million (US$754.3
million).
This announcement is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to
buy any securities. There has been no public offering of Billiton shares in
connection with their sale by AA plc in any jurisdiction where such an offering
would be unlawful. The distribution of this announcement and the offer and
sale of Billiton shares in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Any
person reading this announcement should inform themselves of and observe any
such restrictions.
For further information:
Anglo American - London
Investor Relations Media Relations
Nick von Schirnding Kate Aindow
Tel: +44 (0)20 7698 8540 Tel: +44 (0)20 7698 8619
Anglo American - Johannesburg
Investor Relations and Media Relations
Anne Dunn
Tel: +27 11 638 4730
Mob: +27 82 448 2684
Notes to Editors:
Anglo American plc is one of the world's largest mining and natural resource
groups. With its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, it is a global
leader in gold, platinum group metals and diamonds, with significant interests
in coal, base and ferrous metals, industrial minerals and forest products. The
group is geographically diverse, with operations and developments in Africa,
Europe, South and North America and Australia. (www.angloamerican.co.uk)
A US$/GBP exchange rate of US$1.44/GBP has been applied in this press release
Anglo American plc
20 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5AN United Kingdom
Tel 44 (0)207 698 8888 Fax 44 (0)207 698 8500
corporate_affairs@angloamerican.co.uk www.angloamerican.co.uk
Registered office as above. Incorporated in England and Wales under the
Companies Act 1985. Registered Number 3564138
Profile Group (Pty) Ltd. has taken care in preparing all information on this website, but does not accept any liability for errors or out-of-date information.
