Fortescue says it is not aware of parties seeking to buy stake

Melbourne

FORTESCUE Metals Group said on Tuesday that it was not aware of any parties seeking permission from Australia's regulators to take a stake in the company after its shares jumped 15 per cent on a media report that Chinese firms had applied to buy a stake.

The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported that Chinese-linked companies had sought permission from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) to invest in Fortescue, Australia's third-largest iron ore producer.

"Fortescue is not aware of FIRB applications by third parties and is in compliance with its continuous disclosure obligations," the company said in a statement to the Australi…