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 | | news release | | FALCONBRIDGE LIMITED |
INCO OBTAINS U.S. REGULATORY CLEARANCE OF OFFER FOR
FALCONBRIDGE LIMITED
Update on European Commission Clearance
TORONTO, ONTARIO, June 23, 2006 — Falconbridge Limited (TSX, NYSE:FAL) announced today that it and Inco Limited (TSX, NYSE:N) have reached a definitive agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on a remedy to address potential competition issues related to Inco's pending acquisition of Falconbridge and provide for the DOJ's clearance of this transaction.
The remedy consists of the sale to LionOre Mining International Ltd. (TSX: LIM, LSE:LOR, ASX:LIM, BSE:LIONORE) of Falconbridge's Nikkelverk refinery in Norway and the Falconbridge marketing and custom feed organizations that market and sell the finished nickel and other products produced at Nikkelverk and obtain third-party feeds for this facility. In addition, the sale will include an agreement to supply up to 60,000 tonnes of nickel in matte annually, approximately equivalent to the current volume of feed provided by Falconbridge's operations to this refinery, for up to ten years.
Inco and Falconbridge have continued their discussions with the European Commission on the final terms of this same remedy. Inco and Falconbridge currently expect that the Commission will issue their decision on whether the acquisition will be cleared based upon this remedy by July 12, 2006 and believe that the transaction will be cleared by the Commission on the basis of this remedy.
For more information, visitwww.inco.com/newscentre/newsreleases/to view Inco's press release.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in this News Release are forward-looking statements (as defined in applicable securities legislation). Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Inco's offer to acquire all of the common shares of Falconbridge and the sale of certain assets and related business of Falconbridge as part of the regulatory clearance process of such offer including statements regarding the anticipated timing of achievement of certain milestones in the regulatory clearance process, reaching an agreement on any required remedy and the terms of the sale of certain assets and related operations to be divested as part of such clearances. Inherent in forward-looking statements are risks and uncertainties well beyond our ability to predict or control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this News Release.
Such statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions about all of the conditions to the transaction with LionOre Mining International Ltd. being met and the transaction being completed in accordance with its terms.
Inherent in those statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors well beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Some of these known risks and uncertainties are outlined in filings by Falconbridge with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including in Falconbridge's annual information form. Readers are encouraged to consult such filings. While Falconbridge anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause Falconbridge's views to change, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this news release. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Falconbridge and the combination of Inco and Falconbridge.
Falconbridge Limited is a leading copper and nickel company with investments in fully-integrated zinc and aluminum assets. Its primary focus is the identification and development of world-class copper and nickel mineral deposits. It employs 14,500 people at its operations and offices in 18 countries. Falconbridge's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (FAL) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (FAL). Falconbridge's website can be found atwww.falconbridge.com.
Note: All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
Important Legal Information
This communication is being made in respect of Inco Limited's proposed combination with Falconbridge Limited. Inco has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a registration statement on Form F-8 (containing an offer to purchase and a share exchange take-over bid circular) and amendments thereto, and, if required, will file other documents with the SEC in connection with the proposed combination. Falconbridge has filed a Schedule 14D-9F and an amendment thereto with the SEC in connection with Inco's offer and has filed and, if required, will file other documents regarding the proposed combination with the SEC.
INVESTORS AND SECURITYHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Investors and security holders may obtain copies of the registration statement and Inco's and Falconbridge's SEC filings free of charge at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). In addition, documents filed with the SEC by Inco may be obtained free of charge by contacting Inco's media or investor relations departments. Documents filed with the SEC by Falconbridge may be obtained free of charge by contacting Falconbridge's investor relations department.
Filings made by Inco and Falconbridge with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including filings made in connection with the offer, are available at www.sedar.com.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Falconbridge Limited
Denis Couture, Senior Vice-President,
Investor Relations, Communications & Public Affairs
(416) 982-7020
denis.couture@falconbridge.com
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INCO OBTAINS U.S. REGULATORY CLEARANCE OF OFFER FOR FALCONBRIDGE LIMITED Update on European Commission Clearance
