Exclusive: Mosaic eyeing Vale’s fertilizer unit – sources – by TATIANA BAUTZER AND GUILLERMO PARRA-BERNAL (Reuters U.S. – June 17, 2016)

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SAO PAULO – Mosaic Co, the world’s top producer of concentrated phosphate, has entered talks to buy Vale SA’s fertilizer unit, in a renewed push to grow in South America and Africa, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Although both companies are discussing what structure would best suit their interests, the first source said a cash-and-stock deal remains the favorite option at this point.

The same source, who requested anonymity because talks are under way, said the value of Vale’s fertilizer assets could reach $3 billion. Mosaic and Vale are also discussing other alternatives for the deal, the other two sources said, without elaborating.

Under terms of the first option, Rio de Janeiro-based Vale would become Mosaic’s biggest shareholder, with a stake between 12 and 15 percent depending on the size of the deal’s stock portion, the first source said. The companies declined to comment.

Plymouth, Minnesota-based Mosaic is on the lookout for phosphate or potash assets that could be bargain-priced in a weak commodity sector, Chief Executive Officer Joc O’Rourke said in February. Falling prices of phosphate and potash, however, have dragged down profit this year.

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