/ 29 August 2005

BHP Billiton extends share buy-back

Global resources group BHP Billiton on Monday announced that it has extended its share buy-back programme by 12 months to September 30 next year.

The group also increased the maximum number of shares that may be purchased by BHP Billiton Limited under the buy-back programme from 186-million to 358-million.

The increased number represents less than 10% of the issued share capital of BHP Billiton Limited at June 30 2005 and is now consistent with BHP Billiton plc’s authority to purchase up to about 10% of its issued share capital, the group said. — I-Net Bridge