Impala Platinum's proposed £297 million takeover of African Platinum is not likely to face opposition from competition authorities.

Financial advisors to the deal, Morgan Stanley, have revealed that issues of competition in the platinum industry and the possibility that the South African Competition Tribunal could hold back the deal were explored in December when Impala Platinum first started to invest in African Platinum.

It is thought that following the approval of Lonmin's recent acquisition of Afri-Ore, the Impala Platinum expects to receive clearance on the deal form the tribunal.

In December Impala Platinum acquired just under 30 per cent of African Platinum for around R1 billion to aid to development of the firm's Leeuwkop platinum mine in the Bushveld Complex.

According to analysts, the coming year should bring further consolidation in the pgm mining industry in the Bushveld.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd