News: AIO Asciano updates on takeover offer

Feb 23 (Reuters) - Asciano Ltd (AIO) :

• Brookfield & Qube consortium potential transaction (AIO)
• Asciano board considers that A$9.28 per Asciano share cash consideration associated with potential transaction is likely to be attractive to Asciano shareholders
• Receipt of letters regarding preliminary discussions between Asciano and Brookfield infrastructure partners, gic private, British Columbia investment management and nitro corporation
• In the absence of any alternative superior proposal capable of acceptance, the Asciano board continues to recommend the Qube consortium proposal
• Notes that discussions are preliminary and a number of steps would need to occur prior to any binding proposal eventuating
• Receipt of letters regarding discussion between Canada pension plan investment board, global infrastructure management, llc, Qube Holdings and China investment corporation
• Says parties will undertake negotiations as expeditiously as possible to determine whether an improved proposal can be developed
• Says "any proposal that may be developed would need to be unanimously recommended by the Asciano board"