Alcan may look to BHP to fend off Alcoa offer

ALCAN, fighting a takeover offer from rival aluminium producer Alcoa, may look to BHP Billiton for assistance, said Christel Bories, president and chief executive of Alcan's engineered products unit.

"All these options are credible," Ms Bories said in an interview in Paris on Wednesday. "We know that these big mining companies have a lot of money and Alcan is an interesting target."

Alcan, based in Montreal, rejected a $US27.7 billion bid from rival Alcoa and has been in talks with other suitors. BHP produces aluminium and other commodities including copper, coal and iron ore.

"Alcan is in a very strong position to open other options than the Alcoa one," Ms Bories said. "Our board is working today on all these other options and they are numerous. We'll know in the following weeks which one is preferred."

BHP spokesman Mark Lidiard in London said he had no comment.