E.U. tenders "concerns" over BHP, Rio merger

BHP indicated that the E.U. has delivered its "statement of objections" to the Rio Tinto merger. The exact issues raised by the nti-trust regulators are unknown as BHP didn't divulge any details, but the E.U.'s ruling is expected in January 2009. In the past in similar situations the E.U. has raised concerns about reduced competition and higher prices--requiring some divestitures to garner its approval.