$AKE today announces a merger with US-listed Livent. The deal is touted as a merger of equals, merger ratio = 56% $AKE and 44% Livent.

Fascinating listening to the call with the Aussie-based analysts, many of whom appear to consider the merger ratio has undervalued $AKE relative to Livent.

The primary industrial logic for the deal is a more geographically-diversified company, across more parts of the Lithium value chain and technologies, giving greater growth optionality, operational efficiency and security of supply to customers.

Opex and Capex synergies to be achieved over 3 years appear reasonable.

Newco Chair will be Peter Coleman ($AKE), but the CEO and CFO roles go to Livent, with a primary listing on the NYSE and CDIs on ASX. $AKE CEO is staying on as a consultant for a period, and then will depart.

In summary, the vibe on the call was that this is a Livent takeover. Interesting to see the Aussie analyst broker notes following the call and how the $AKE shareholders vote in the coming months.

Shares up 14% in the first hour of trading.

Disc: Held IRL (1.2%)

15-Feb-2021:  Minor damage from recent earthquake near Naraha

Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE, TSX: ORL) advises that following an earthquake late Saturday (13 February 2021, JST) off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, north east Japan, there are no injuries to employees at the Naraha Lithium Hydroxide Plant. An initial inspection of the plant with the construction contractor, Veolia Jenets on the morning of 14 February found some minor damage to the site office but did not find any visible defects to plant equipment. Additionally, there is no damage to site infrastructure services. A further inspection will be undertaken on 15 February to confirm the initial observations and assure the safety of the site prior to the recommencement of construction work.

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Further Reading:

energynewsbulletin.net: Fukushima earthquake halts LNG imports

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-assesses-damage-after-earthquake-struck-near-fukushima

https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/japan-assesses-damage-earthquake-struck-013442918.html

No big issues for ORE it seems (which I do not hold) - not sure if this affects any Australian-listed LNG exporters to Japan - considering that the Soma LNG import and regasification terminal at Shinchi-machi has been shut down.