Arcadium Lithium plc, a global leader in lithium chemicals production, has successfully obtained all required regulatory approvals to proceed with its acquisition by Rio Tinto. This approval marks a significant milestone in the transaction initially announced on October 9, 2024. The deal has now cleared merger control and investment screening requirements across several key jurisdictions, including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the U.S., the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 requirements have been satisfied, while investment screening approval has been granted in Australia, Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. under the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

The Royal Court of Jersey has scheduled a sanction hearing to approve Arcadium Lithium’s scheme of arrangement under Part 18A of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. The hearing will take place on March 5, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. EST (9:00 p.m. AEDT). If the Court grants approval, the transaction is expected to close the following day, March 6, 2025.

Arcadium Lithium shareholders have the right to attend and participate in the Court hearing in person or through a Jersey advocate to either support or oppose the scheme. Additionally, shareholders who wish to provide input without attending in person may submit written statements for the Court’s consideration.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Arcadium Lithium’s shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and its CHESS Depositary Receipts (CDIs) will be removed from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This will mark the final step in integrating Arcadium Lithium into Rio Tinto’s growing lithium portfolio. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Rio Tinto’s position in the critical minerals sector, particularly as demand for lithium continues to rise due to the global energy transition and the expansion of battery production for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

With all necessary regulatory hurdles now cleared, the acquisition is on track to finalize as planned, subject to the Court’s approval. Arcadium Lithium’s shareholders and industry stakeholders are now awaiting the Court’s decision, which will officially pave the way for the company’s transition under Rio Tinto’s ownership. If approved, this acquisition will mark a strategic expansion for Rio Tinto, reinforcing its role in the lithium supply chain and supporting its long-term commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Arcadium Lithium is a global leader in lithium chemical production, dedicated to responsibly and safely leveraging lithium’s potential to enhance lives and support the transition to clean energy. By collaborating with customers, Arcadium Lithium drives innovation and fosters a more sustainable future where lithium powers renewable energy, electric transportation, and modern technology. The company is vertically integrated, with industry-leading expertise in lithium extraction, including hard-rock mining, conventional brine extraction, and direct lithium extraction (DLE), as well as advanced lithium chemical manufacturing for high-performance applications.