BHP Has No Interest in Acquiring Walter Energy

Sources close to the situation told Benzinga on Thursday that BHP Billiton

has no interest in acquiring Walter Energy

. Walter Energy shares traded higher early on Thursday, up as much as six percent.

reported that BHP was readying a $55 per share offer for Walter Energy. The rumor should come as no surprise, as Walter Energy has been seen as a takeover target for months. Even famed investor Warren Buffett was once said to have been interested in the company. Back in May,

reported an identical rumor, alledging that BHP was going to acquire Walter Energy. Shares of Walter Energy traded near $33.45 on Thursday, up over five percent.