rio could look at small aquisitions

Seeing as I have now learned how to post on this forum, below is some potentially positive news for EXT shareholders.

"1301 [Dow Jones] Rio Tinto (RIO.AU) could look at small acquisitions of less than US$5 billion with Ivanhoe Mines (IVN) among the most likely targets, Merrill Lynch says. Other potential targets include Extract Resources (EXT.AU) and the minority interests in Coal & Allied (CNA.AU). ML says Rio could also look to do more mine gate iron ore sales deals in the Pilbara, like the one it has with Iron Ore Holdings (IOH.AU). Says Rio has been less outspoken than the other major iron ore producers about a push away from the benchmark system to shorter term pricing, but the company is thinking about different pricing mechanisms. ML says Rio is now more comfortably placed as it recovers from recent turmoil; maintains buy rating with A$90 target price. Rio shares up 1.1% at A$71.31.(APW)"