Coal prices soaring becomes "the strongest assist": JCNK is rumored to be planning to restart the $240 billion "century merger" with Rio Tinto plc Sponsored ADR.

Three informed sources revealed that Glencore (GLNCY.US) CEO Gary Nagle hopes that the recent rise in coal prices will help rekindle Rio Tinto plc Sponsored ADR's interest in creating the world's largest mining company. Earlier this year, the two companies held negotiations to create a company worth $240 billion, aiming to combine Glencore's marketing business and copper assets with Rio Tinto plc Sponsored ADR's operational expertise to meet the rapidly growing demand for the metal. However, the discussions ended last month without reaching an agreement; according to UK regulations, Rio Tinto plc Sponsored ADR cannot enter into negotiations with Glencore again within six months. These three investors stated that Nagle is optimistic about the prospect of reaching an agreement. It is reported that Glencore believes that Rio Tinto plc Sponsored ADR's valuation of the company is linked to key commodities such as coal on January 7 (the day before the negotiations were made public), and that a more cautious evaluation approach should also consider forecasted prices. Since January 7, coal prices and Glencore's stock price have surged by 26%, while Rio Tinto plc Sponsored ADR's stock price has risen by 9%, and iron ore prices have slightly decreased. Currently, in the combined market value of Glencore and Rio Tinto plc Sponsored ADR, Glencore's share is approximately 35%, higher than the 31.5% at the time of the negotiations being made public, and closer to the 40% stake that Glencore reportedly sought in the rejected deal with Rio Tinto plc Sponsored ADR.