- Gold Fields (NYSE:GFI +4.3%) jumps following a Bloomberg report that the company would like to merge with larger South African rival AngloGold Ashanti (AU +2.5%); GFI is out with a statement refuting the story.
- GFI believes it would be the ideal combination as the two miners operate in similar jurisdictions and have a shared philosophy, according to the report, which also notes discussions have not occurred.
- GFI's Australian assets make it attractive as a potential takeover target, although the need to turn around or sell its unprofitable South Deep mine would make a deal more difficult, says RBC analyst James Bell.