Timeline of BHP's failed bid

Nov 8, 2007 - BHP, the world's biggest mining group, proposes to buy Rio through a three-for-one share swap. Rio shares soar as much as 30 percent. Rio rejects the proposal as vastly undervaluing the firm and its prospects.

Nov 12 - BHP says takeover plan would result in $3.7 billion in synergies in seven years. It promises to hand $30 billion to shareholders via a share buyback if deal goes through. Rio says the bid remains "well out of the ballpark".

Dec 11 - Rio asks Britain's Takeover Panel to set a deadline under its "put up or shut up" rule, under which BHP has to formalize its bid or walk away.