Swiss mining giant Xstrata revealed its revised bid, up 12% from its original $2.85 per share offer, on Friday. Resource Pacific called the figure "unimpressive", and again recommended that shareholders take no action.
Yesterday Resource Pacific advised shareholders that it had commenced discussions with a third party that "may result in a more attractive proposal for shareholders."
Xstrata spokesperson James Rickard told AAP that Xstrata remains skeptical of Resource Pacific's claims, referring to Resource Pacific director Paul Jury's earlier claims that several potential suitors had walked away from the company because they could not compete with Xstrata's buying power.
"Jury publicly confirmed another bidder was highly unlikely to beat Xstrata Coal's earlier offer price of $2.85, which has been in the market place for two months.
"It appears rather odd he is now asking shareholders to believe a bidder may have entered well above $3.20."
Rickards said Resource Pacific should remember that the revised bid is final.
Shares in Resource Pacific opened at $3.28 this morning.