Media reports out of London based on a Bloomberg story seem to suggest that Anglo American Plc is planning to shift to the erstwhile headquarters of De Beers. It is believed that the historical premises will undergo extensive redevelopment and modernisation to turn them into a fitting headquarters for the mining giant.

At the moment, no official announcement has been made and the source of the information has asked to remain anonymous as “the plans are private”, Business Day said. The plan is also contingent on Anglo getting the necessary approvals from the relevant planning and regulatory authorities.

It is understood that the Company had also considered the option of shifting its headquarters to some other premises altogether; and selling the 17 Charterhouse Street offices. However, as of now shifting there seems to be the top possibility. 

Currently, Anglo is headquartered at the LaSalle Investment Management owned Carlton House Terrace, which is close to Buckingham Palace.

With De Beers shifting a major portion of its operations to Gaborone, Botswana, and the need to maximise the property’s value, it is probably a clear option of “occupy or sell” for Anglo, after its takeover of majority control of De Beers.

The London office of De Beers at 17 Charterhouse Street is redolent with the history of De Beers as it had housed the Company for decades.