BHP Billiton CEO Declines Comment On Rio Speculation

BHP Billiton Chief Executive Chip Goodyear declined to comment on speculation the company is considering a takeover bid for rival Rio Tinto. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation business leaders summit in Sydney, Goodyear said it wasn’t company policy to comment on market speculation. There has been speculation over recent days that Melbourne-based BHP Billiton, the world’s largest miner, may bid for Rio Tinto with Brazil’s Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, boosting shares in Rio Tinto.