Anglo Asian Mining Plc (LSE:AAZ, OTC:AGXKF) shares rose 14% to 220p after trading resumed this morning following a brief suspension linked to takeover speculation.
The halt was requested by the company on Wednesday after sharp moves in the share price and rumours circulating on investor bulletin boards.
The restart comes after ACG Metals said it is in the “early stages of considering” a possible offer for Anglo Asian. ACG has until 5pm on 24 December to make a firm bid or walk away under UK takeover rules. It stressed there is “no certainty” that an offer will ultimately be made.
Anglo Asian echoed that message, reminding investors that the approach does not amount to a formal Rule 2.7 offer and that there is no guarantee a definitive agreement will be reached. It urged shareholders not to take any action at this stage.
The interest comes as the miner pushes ahead with its growth strategy in Azerbaijan. Anglo Asian said it has made “excellent progress” this year, bringing the Gilar and Demirli mines into production on time and on budget. It also pointed to a resource base of more than 400,000 ounces of gold and one million tonnes of copper, which it says underpins its plan to move into mid-tier copper production.
Further updates from both sides are expected as the offer period progresses.