Peter Major on Implats proposed buyout of Royal Bafokeng Platinum

Veteran mining analyst Peter Major sits down to discuss Impala Platinum’s prospective takeover of mid-tier precious metals producers Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBP). The news follows Sibanye-Stillwater’s acquisition of a nickel and copper mine in Brazil for $1bn. Today, African Rainbow Minerals issued a cautionary announcement ahead of a prospective acquisition from competitors Anglo American. There is M&A mania in the air in the commodity sector, the likes of which has not been seen since the commodity bust 15 or so years ago. Despite traders and investors generally skittish about the flurry of deals in the resources sector, Major believes Impala’s prospective takeover of RBP makes sense given the synergies. RBP market value ballooned 20% following the announcement, adding over R6bn to its market cap. RBP is trading at a touch over R110 per share (as of the close of trade on Thursday) with a market cap of R32bn. A deal around the size of R40bn could be on the cards.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices