Completion of OZ Minerals Acquisition

BHP Group Limited

02 May 2023

 

Release Time	IMMEDIATE
Date	2 May 2023
Release Number	09/23
To	London Stock Exchange

COMPLETION OF OZ MINERALS ACQUISITION

BHP announces the completion of the OZ Minerals acquisition and implementation of the scheme of arrangement for BHP Lonsdale Investments Pty Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Group Limited, to acquire 100% of the shares in OZ Minerals Limited (OZL) (the Scheme). BHP Group Limited is now the ultimate parent company of OZL.

BHP CEO Mike Henry said:

"This acquisition strengthens BHP's portfolio in copper and nickel and is in line with our strategy to meet increasing demand for the critical minerals needed for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels to support the energy transition. Combining our two organisations will provide options for growth, bring new talent and innovation to unlock these resources in a sustainable way, and deliver value to shareholders and communities."

In bringing together the BHP and OZ Minerals businesses, BHP will focus on safe and reliable operation of the Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena assets, building a shared culture of innovation and performance, and progressing sustainable growth options to establish a copper province in South Australia.

BHP Chief Operating Officer Edgar Basto said:

"We welcome the OZ Minerals team to BHP as new colleagues with shared values of safety, respect, innovation and performance. Bringing together our quality resources, talented teams and innovative thinking will help us create opportunities for local employment, small businesses, regional communities, Traditional Owners and the South Australian economy.

"South Australia has the potential to be a major supplier of copper to meet the world's increasing demand for copper and we look forward to unlocking the potential of our people and their combined talent. This will require new thinking and new technology and we are excited to begin work on the opportunities ahead."

OZL shareholders today received total cash consideration of A$28.25 per OZL share, comprising:

  the scheme consideration paid by BHP of A$26.50 for each OZL share held at the scheme record date, which is 7:00pm on 24 April 2023; and

  a fully franked special dividend paid by OZL of A$1.75 for each OZL share held on the special dividend record date, which is 7:00pm on 21 April 2023.

The cash payment by BHP has been funded using a combination of BHP's existing cash reserves and the proceeds of a debt facility.

OZL has today applied to be removed from the official list of the ASX. Removal is expected to occur no later than 3 May 2023.

Authorised for lodgement by:

Stefanie Wilkinson

Group Company Secretary

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Disclaimer and important notice

Forward-looking statements

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Scheme and related transactions, such as the expected timing and benefits. Words such as 'anticipate', 'believe', 'aim', 'estimate', 'expect', 'intend', 'may', 'target', 'plan', 'forecast', 'project', 'schedule', 'will', 'should', 'seek' and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and contingencies that are subject to change without notice and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those associated with the industries in which BHP and OZL operate.  Many of these risks are beyond the control of BHP and its related bodies corporate and affiliates, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, consultants, contractors, agents, advisers and representatives. It is believed that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, but they may be affected by a range of variables which could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements or any projections or assumptions on which those statements are based.

Factors that could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: price fluctuations, actual demand, currency fluctuations, geotechnical factors, drilling and production results, development progress, operating results, engineering estimates, reserve estimates, loss of market, industry competition, environmental risks, physical risks, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, economic and financial markets, conditions in various countries, approvals and cost estimates. Except as required by applicable regulations or law, BHP assumes no obligation, and does not undertake, to update any forward-looking statements or information regularly in part or whole.

Investors are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, particularly in light of the current economic climate. Forward-looking statements are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied on as an indication or guarantee of future performance. These statements may assume the success of the Scheme, OZL's operations or BHP's business strategies, the success of which may not be realised within the period for which the forward-looking statements may have been prepared, or at all. No guarantee, representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, likelihood of achievement or reasonableness of any forecasts, prospects, returns, statements or tax treatment in relation to future matters contained in this announcement. To the maximum extent permitted by law, none of BHP, its directors, employees, agents or advisers, nor any other person accepts any liability for any loss arising from the use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with it.

Limitation of information in relation to OZL

All information in this announcement in relation to OZL has been sourced from publicly available information in respect of OZL. BHP has conducted due diligence in relation to the Scheme, but has not independently verified such information and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the fairness, accuracy, correctness, completeness or adequacy of any information relating to OZL. Receipt of additional or updated information may change any forward-looking statements concerning OZL in this announcement. OZL may have a different interpretation of the underlying data and release other information to the market.

 

END