(Reuters) - Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting increased its stake in lithium miner Liontown Resources, the company said, moving it closer to being able to block a $4.3 billion bid by U.S.-based Albemarle for Liontown.
Hancock said on Friday it raised its stake from 10.7% last month to 12.4%, paying no more than A$3.00 per additional share.
Hancock would be able to block the Albemarle deal with a 15% position.
Last month, Liontown accepted Albemarle's revised $4.3 billion bid, or A$3 a share.
The offer is part of a surge of interest in Australian lithium assets amid the clean energy transition.
Persons:
Gina Rinehart's Hancock, Hancock, Liontown, Rinehart, Echha Jain, Melanie Burton, Cynthia Osterman
Organizations:
Reuters, U.S, Patriot, Metals
Locations:
Resources, Albemarle, Liontown, Bengaluru