Rio Tinto Alcan chief executive Dick Evans, right, smiles as Tom Albanese, chief executive of Rio Tinto, speaks during a news conference in Montreal, October 25, 2007.
#5. Rio Tinto Buys Alcan for $38.1 Billion
It's a deal predicated on rising demand for aluminum, driven by China and India. This Anglo-Australian/Canadian combination — both the former British dominions are primary metals powers — becomes the world's largest aluminum producer. Mining giant Rio Tinto swept aside a play by America's Alcoa to recapture its former Canadian operations, which it was forced to divest decades ago. Ironically, the deal now leaves Alcoa in a weakened position. Look for another deal next year. In the meantime, iron ore–rich Rio has been targeted by mega-miner BHP Billiton.