Johannesburg - Sibanye Gold Ltd, the biggest producer of South African gold, said it is in talks to buy Anglo American Platinum’s Rustenburg assets.
While Anglo American Platinum is negotiating with others, the talks with Sibanye are at an advanced stage and the company has put off plans to list the business separately, according to two people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified as the information is private.
Shares of Anglo American Platinum, known as Amplats, jumped 9 percent to 350 rand in Johannesburg by 4.54pm in Johannesburg, rebounding from an earlier decline. Sibanye shares rose 3.8 percent to 16.40 rand. In London trading, Anglo American extended gains to 7.5 percent to 734.90 pence.
“No further detail can be provided at this stage and it is possible that no transaction will be consummated,” Sibanye said in a statement on Thursday.
Sibanye got a $350 million debt facility in August and has been interested in buying South African platinum mines as the gold producer seeks to diversify its asset base. Amplats is planning to divest three Rustenburg mines and its Union asset as it prioritises shallower and more mechanised operations, such as the Mogalakwena pit.
Pranill Ramchander, a spokesman for Anglo American, confirmed when contacted by phone that the company’s platinum unit was in talks with Sibanye. The company continues to pursue both a sale and a listing, he said, declining to comment further.
* With assistance from Kevin Crowley in Johannesburg
BLOOMBERG