OREANDA-NEWS. June 28, 2011. Russian OJSC Uralkali plans to launch a bid for Belarusian OJSC Belaruskali within months, Uralkali Chief Executive Vladislav Baumgertner told reporters.

Baumgertner conceded Belaruskali was an “interesting acquisition target”, although he said no talks were yet taking place. That deal would catapult the firm above Canada’s PotashCorp – the subject of a failed 24-billion pound bid from BHP Billiton last year – as the industry leader.

Earlier, Uralkali was reported to have reached a preliminary agreement to acquire 50% plus one share in Belaruskali for USD 15 billion.