Blackstone Denies Rumors of Rio Tinto Bid

Following an article entitled "Blackstone Planning Break-up Bid
for Rio", in today´s Daily Telegraph, The Blackstone Group (BX: NYSE)
has consulted with the U.K. Takeover Panel and told them that there is
no truth to this story. Blackstone can also confirm today that it is
not involved in this transaction in either an investment or advisory
role. The Panel Executive has confirmed that this is not a statement
to which Rule 2.8 of the Takeover Code applies.