BHP Billiton eyes Woodside takeover

BHP Billiton, the world's biggest mining company, reportedly wants to buy oil giant Shell's 24 per cent stake in Woodside Petroleum, before launching a full takeover for the Australian oil and gas producer.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Apr 2011, 00:17 BST

Updated 10th Apr 2011, 22:11 BST

Talk of a bid picked up in November when Shell sold one-third of its stake in Woodside and said it would be willing to sell the remaining shares. BHP has plenty of cash after enjoying a boom in commodity prices.