UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
August 15, 2014
| BHP BILLITON LIMITED | BHP BILLITON PLC | |
| (ABN 49 004 028 077) | (REG. NO. 3196209) | |
| (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) | (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) | |
| VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND AND WALES | |
| (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation) | (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation) | |
| 171 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA |
NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Address of principal executive offices) | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or
Form 40-F: x Form 20-F ¨ Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: ¨ Yes x No
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a
NEWS RELEASE
| Release Time | IMMEDIATE | |
| Date | 15 August 2014 | |
| Number | 12/14 | |
UPDATE ON PORTFOLIO SIMPLIFICATION
BHP Billiton has been simplifying its portfolio for over a decade and is pursuing options to make the Company simpler and more productive.
As we announced on 1 April 2014, we are actively studying the next phase of simplification, including structural options. We believe that a portfolio focused on our major iron ore, copper, coal and petroleum assets would retain the benefits of diversification, generate stronger growth in cash flow and a superior return on investment.
By increasing our focus on these four pillars, with potash as a potential fifth, we will be able to more quickly improve the productivity and performance of our largest businesses.
Since then, the Board has continued to study various structural alternatives including at its meeting this week. A demerger of a selection of assets is our preferred option.
The Board expects to consider this, and other matters, when it reconvenes next week. If any material decisions are made, they will be announced immediately.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com.
| Media Relations |
Investor Relations | |
| Australia | Australia | |
| Emily Perry | Tara Dines | |
| Tel: +61 3 9609 2800 Mobile: +61 477 325 803 | Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 499 249 005 | |
| email: Emily.Perry@bhpbilliton.com | email: Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com | |
| Paul Hitchins | Jodie Phillips | |
| Tel: + 61 3 9609 2592 Mobile: + 61 419 315 001 | Tel: +61 3 9609 2069 Mobile: +61 418 710 516 | |
| email: Paul.Hitchins@bhpbilliton.com | email: Jodie.Phillips@bhpbilliton.com | |
| Eleanor Nichols | United Kingdom and South Africa | |
| Tel: +61 3 9609 2360 Mobile: +61 407 064 748 | ||
| email: Eleanor.Nichols@bhpbilliton.com | Jonathan Price | |
| Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726 | ||
| United Kingdom | email: Jonathan.H.Price@bhpbilliton.com | |
| Ruban Yogarajah | Dean Simon | |
| Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022 | Tel: +44 20 7802 7461 Mobile: +44 7717 511 193 | |
| email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com | email: Dean.Simon@bhpbilliton.com | |
| Jennifer White | Americas | |
| Tel: +44 20 7802 7462 Mobile: +44 7827 253 764 | ||
| email: Jennifer.White@bhpbilliton.com | James Agar | |
| Tel: +1 212 310 1421 Mobile: +1 347 882 3011 | ||
| Americas | email: James.Agar@bhpbilliton.com | |
| Ruban Yogarajah | Joseph Suarez | |
| Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022 | Tel: +1 212 310 1422 Mobile: +1 646 400 3803 | |
| email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com | email: Joseph.Suarez@bhpbilliton.com | |
| BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 | BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 | |
| Registered in Australia | Registered in England and Wales | |
| Registered Office: Level 16, 171 Collins Street | Registered Office: Neathouse Place | |
| Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | London SW1V 1LH United Kingdom | |
| Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015 | Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111 | |
Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc | ||||
| Date: August 15, 2014 | By: | /s/ Nicole Duncan | ||
| Name: | Nicole Duncan | |||
| Title: | Company Secretary | |||