Is Canada Open for Business?
A few good places to begin to find answers related to these questions are the BHP web page
www.bhpbilliton.com/home/investors/news/Pages/Articles/BHP%20Billiton%20Withdraws%20Its%20Offer%20To%20Acquire%20PotashCorp%20And%20Reactivates%20Its%20Buy-back%20Program.aspx
And this link which provides a very thoughtful analysis from a Government / Canadian perspective
www.irpp.org/en/po/the-year-in-review-2/the-potash-takeover-bid-the-deal-that-wasnt/
1. Why do you think BHP was not able to prove a “net benefit” for Canada?
2. Why did ICA approve the acquisition of Nexen but not that of Potash Corp?
3. Was it correct for the Canadian government to restrict FDI in this case? Explain
4. What are the global implications for Canadian business because of ICA’s decision?
5. Do you think the decision might have been different if it had not been an election year?