The bids for 20% stake in Chemical & Mining Co. of Chile Inc. (NYSE:SQM), being put up for sale by Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera, S.A. (SNSE:CALICHERAA), are due in the next week. Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT) is not thought to be interested in SQM as the acquisition would require Potash Corporation a change of statutes.

It is thought that Potash Corporation is now working behind the scenes on setting up a controlling pact with a company or fund that will proceed to acquire the 20% stake in SQM. The potential buyers are not thought to include Ningbo Shanshan Asset Management Co., Ltd. (SHSE:600884), Tianqi Lithium Industries, Inc. (SZSE:002466) and Fosun International Limited (SEHK:656).