EU investigates BHP Billiton rival takeover
Updated
The European Commission has opened an indepth probe into mining giant BHP Billiton's hostile takeover of rival Rio Tinto.
Europe's top antitrust watchdog says it fears the deal with Rio Tinto could stifle competition amid soaring commodities prices.
The commission will rule by November on whether to block the $US147 billion bid.
US regulators have approved the deal but, like the EU, Australia's regulators are sceptical.
