Slaughter and May is advising BHP Billiton on its plans to create an independent global metals and mining company based on a selection of its high-quality aluminium, coal, manganese, nickel and silver assets.

The new independent company will be created by way of a demerger through an in-specie distribution. It is intended that the new independent company will be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and will have an inward secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Slaughter and May is working alongside Herbert Smith Freehills who is advising on Australian law matters and ENSafrica who is advising on South African law matters.

CONTACTS

Corporate and Commercial: Richard de Carle (partner), Susannah Macknay (partner), Louise Campbell (associate), Elizabeth Szanto (associate); Tax: Jeanette Zaman (partner), Emma Game (associate); Financing: Philip Snell (partner); Competition: Michael Rowe (partner).