Rio Tinto Board Prevails as Shareholders Vote Against Dual Listing Review

01-05-2025


Rio Tinto, the $160 billion global mining giant, has successfully resisted an activist investor's push to review its dual-listed structure, with shareholders overwhelmingly voting against the proposal. The London-based hedge fund Palliser Capital had sought to unify the company's listings under a single Australian entity, arguing that the current structure is outdated and could unlock significant value for shareholders. However, less than 20% of the votes cast at the annual general meetings supported the review, falling short of the threshold required under UK corporate governance rules to mandate further consultation.

The outcome represents a significant victory for Rio Tinto's board, which had strongly opposed the proposal, citing potential tax costs in the mid-single digit billions of US dollars and asserting that unification is not in the best interests of shareholders or the company as a whole. The board's stance was supported by a wide consultation with shareholders, who ultimately agreed that the dual-listed structure should remain in place. This decision underscores the challenges activist investors face when attempting to sway large, established corporations with complex global operations.

Palliser Capital's campaign had drawn parallels with BHP's decision to move its primary listing to Sydney in 2022, following pressure from activist investors. However, Rio Tinto's shareholders, particularly those holding UK-listed stock which comprises about 77% of the investor base, showed little appetite for change. The Australian-listed shares, trading at a premium of about 25%, reflect the tax advantages available to Australian shareholders, a factor that may have influenced the voting outcome.

The rejection of Palliser's proposal also highlights the broader debate about the future of London's stock market, which has seen several high-profile companies consider or execute moves away from the UK. Despite these challenges, Rio Tinto's decision to maintain its dual-listed structure signals confidence in the current setup, at least for the foreseeable future. The company's ability to fend off the activist campaign may serve as a case study for other corporations facing similar pressures, demonstrating the importance of board-shareholder alignment in corporate governance decisions.

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Long-Distance Strategy: How Turner and Lipa Maintain Their Relationship Amid Busy Careers

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British actor Callum Turner and pop superstar Dua Lipa have captured public attention with their whirlwind romance that began in January 2024 and culminated in an engagement confirmed in June. The couple's relationship timeline includes key public milestones, from being spotted together after the 'Masters of the Air' premiere in London to making their red carpet debut at the 2025 Met Gala. Their journey from initial meeting to engagement has unfolded over approximately 18 months, with both stars navigating demanding careers while building their personal connection.

The couple's first encounter reads like something from a romantic screenplay. Turner, 35, revealed to The Times that they finally met at a mutual friend's birthday party in Los Angeles after experiencing several 'near-misses' where their paths almost crossed but didn't. The most remarkable aspect of their initial meeting occurred when they sat next to each other and discovered they were both reading the same book, Hernán Díaz's 'Trust,' and had both just finished the first chapter. Turner described the moment as cinematic, noting that they realized they were 'on the same page' both literally and figuratively.

Maintaining a relationship between two high-profile careers requires strategic effort, and Turner has shared insights into how they manage the challenges of long-distance dating. The actor emphasized the importance of making time for each other regardless of busy schedules, stating their motto is 'it's never not worth it.' He recounted a recent instance where he flew to Boston for just two days to see Lipa between her tour commitments and his filming schedule, despite feeling exhausted. The couple relies heavily on FaceTime to stay connected and prioritizes creating meaningful memories during their limited time together.

Before their fateful meeting, Turner and Lipa experienced what he describes as multiple 'sliding doors' moments that nearly prevented their connection. The actor detailed one specific instance where Lipa left a party at 1:45 AM and he arrived at 2:00 AM, missing each other by mere minutes. These near-misses spanned several occasions involving mutual friends and shared social circles. Turner expressed gratitude that when they finally did meet under the right circumstances, he immediately recognized Lipa as 'the most beautiful woman in the world,' setting the stage for a relationship that would quickly progress from dating to engagement.