MERGER – Rio Tinto deal for Alcan nears completion

LONDON, U.K. - Shareholders of RIO TINTO has voted to approve the companys US$38.1-billion deal to acquire Canadian aluminum leader ALCAN. Ninety-seven per cent of the shares voted were voted in favour of the deal.

Meanwhile, Rio Algoms offer for Alcan has been extended to Oct. 23, 2007. The European, Australian and Canadian competition bureaus have given their approval to the merger.

See either www.Alcan.com or www.RioTinto.com.