Rio to flaunt own prospects in Monday presentation

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 23 (Reuters) Bid target Rio Tinto is likely to focus on trumpeting its prospects as an independent firm rather than revealing defence tactics as it gives its first detailed response on Monday to an all-share takeover proposal from mining rival BHP Billiton.

Rio, which has said BHP's three-for-one share proposal vastly undervalues the firm, will likely showcase the strength of its own assets during Monday's presentation, analysts said.

''I think they're going to focus on their long-term prospects, what the company is capable of doing on its own without BHP and probably say a lot of the synergies can be realised without merging,'' said a South African fund manager who declined to be named.

BHP has argued a combination of the two companies will lead to