bhp billiton

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world's largest mining company, has reported a record annual profit and says it expects demand for commodities to remain strong.

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The European Commission on Friday widened its antitrust probe into the proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto Inc. by BHP Billiton Ltd., saying an initial investigation revealed concerns about higher prices and reduced choice for European customers of the mining concerns.

Both are British-Australian dual-listed companies mining and marketing iron ore, coal, uranium, aluminum, mineral sands, copper and diamonds and other base metals and industrial minerals.

Under European Union rules, the Commission now has until Nov. 11 to make a final decision.

The European Commission on Friday widened its antitrust probe into the proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto Inc. by BHP Billiton Ltd., saying an initial investigation revealed concerns about higher prices and reduced choice for European customers of the mining concerns.