Drummond, Itochu to market Colombian coal to Asia

Japan’s Itochu Corp (8001.T: Quote) has teamed up with U.S. Drummond Coal [DRMND.UL] in a $1.5 billion deal under which it will market Colombian coal in Asia.

Drummond had been in a protracted search for a partner in its Colombian mines and transport infrastructure, including a new port required by the government there.

Itochu will take a 20 percent stake in a new company, Drummond International, with the privately owned U.S. firm holding the rest, the companies said.