PURCHASE OF SHARES IN FALCONBRIDGE
Zug, 30 August 2005
Xstrata plc ("Xstrata") announces that it has agreed to purchase from a non-Canadian investor 370,000 common shares representing approximately 0.1% of the common shares of Falconbridge Limited ("Falconbridge") in a private, off-market transaction ("the transaction").
As a result of the transaction, Xstrata will own 73,485,756 common shares representing approximately 20.01% of the common shares of Falconbridge." To the extent the purchase increases Xstrata's stake in Falconbridge to in excess of 20%, the purchase of such excess amount will be subject to Canadian regulatory approval.
The purchase does not oblige Xstrata to make any offer to the other shareholders of Falconbridge.
ends
Xstrata contacts
Claire Bithell
Telephone +44 20 7968 2871
Mobile +44 7785 964 340
cbithell@xstrata.com
Michael Oke
Aura Financial
Telephone +44 20 7321 0033
Mobile +44 7834 368 299