CNS Canada — A lack of buying throughout North and South America has put fertilizer prices under pressure, but so far, no one is lining up to capitalize on the weakness, according to an industry watcher. “Farmers aren’t in the mood to buy fall fertilizer. I think they’re more uncertain this year than they normally […] Read more

Slowdown in sales softens fertilizer market

PotashCorp withdraws takeover bid for K+S
New York/Frankfurt | Reuters –– PotashCorp said Monday it had withdrawn its 7.9 billion euro (C$11.6 billion) offer for German potash producer K+S, citing a decline in global commodity and equity markets and a lack of engagement by K+S management. K+S shares dropped 24 per cent after Potash announced its decision in a statement, wiping […] Read more

Mosaic cuts potash output as demand slumps
Reuters — U.S. fertilizer company Mosaic Co. said Monday it would cut potash production and maintain its reduced phosphate output pace, lowering its outlook for sales. Delayed fertilizer purchases in Brazil and North America have weakened markets, along with volatile currency and equity markets and lower crop prices, Mosaic said in a statement after markets […] Read more

PotashCorp says not actively discussing K+S takeover
Reuters — PotashCorp is not actively discussing its takeover proposal with Germany’s K+S, but remains interested in a combination of fertilizer producers that would aid North American potash sales and offer new access to Europe, CEO Jochen Tilk said Wednesday. PotashCorp’s standing offer of 7.9 billion euros (C$11.75 billion) or 41 euros per share is […] Read more

K+S rejects PotashCorp offer, promises on German mines
Frankfurt | Reuters — German salt and fertilizer company K+S AG once again rejected PotashCorp’s takeover offer Friday, saying the Canadian company’s assurances about maintaining jobs and mine sites in Germany were unreliable. Saskatoon-based PotashCorp sent an unsolicited letter to K+S’s management and supervisory boards, K+S said in a statement. The letter included a proposal […] Read more

K+S rejects PotashCorp takeover offer as too low
Frankfurt | Reuters –– German potash miner K+S rejected PotashCorp’s 7.9 billion-euro (C$11 billion) takeover bid Thursday, saying it was too low and the Canadian suitor could be planning to dismantle the company, putting jobs at risk. K+S, owner of the Morton Salt brand, said the proposal lacked firm commitments to protect the more than […] Read more

Potash miner Sirius wins approval for mine in British national park
London | Reuters — Potash mine developer Sirius Minerals on Tuesday won the go-ahead to build a large mine in a scenic national park in Yorkshire, northern England, a company spokesman said, clearing a major hurdle in the construction of the US$3 billion project. The North York Moors National Park’s planning committee members, who were […] Read more

K+S shares surge after PotashCorp takeover approach
Frankfurt | Reuters –– Shares in German potash miner K+S leapt as much as 40 per cent on Friday after a takeover proposal from Canada’s PotashCorp, which sources close to the matter said was worth close to eight billion euros (C$11 billion). K+S, which would become the first German blue-chip firm in a decade to […] Read more

Germany’s K+S seen likely to reject PotashCorp offer
Frankfurt | Reuters — Germany’s K+S will likely reject a seven billion-euro (C$9.7 billion) takeover offer from Canadian fertilizer group PotashCorp, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday. K+S’s management and board are still due to discuss the offer from Saskatoon-based PotashCorp, and a decision has not yet been taken, but at first sight […] Read more

Mosaic sees lost potash sales if Sask. hikes taxes
New York | Reuters –– U.S. fertilizer producer Mosaic Co. would lose potash sales if Saskatchewan raises taxes on miners, and customers choose competitors from other countries, its CEO said on Wednesday. “If they were to tax more, we would suffer from that, we would sell less, our profits would be less and they will […] Read more