December has been a good month so far for the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price. It has gained 4.95% since the end of November.
The iron ore giant's stock has likely been driven by news of its unification plan, the planned sale of its petroleum assets, and an ongoing takeover battle.
Having ended November at $39.27, the BHP share price is now $41.32.
For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained 2.26% this month.
Let's take a closer look at what the company's been up to lately.
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What's driven the BHP share price in December?
The first news to move the BHP share price this month was of the company's intent to unify its corporate structure.
After the market closed on 2 December, BHP announced that it's proceeding with its plan to converge with its London-listed, BHP Group Plc. Its share price gained 1.3% the following day.
After the unification – which requires shareholder approval – BHP will be primarily listed on the ASX.
The company released a prospectus for its proposed unification the following week.
That's not the only exciting happening to have driven the BHP share price lately.
The long-awaited sale of the company's petroleum assets to Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) was given the green light by Australia's competition watchdog this month.
However, December has also seen BHP release seemingly unfortunate, non-price sensitive news.
The company's ongoing acquisition offer for Canadian nickel miner, Noront Resources was recently outbid by Wyloo Metals.
Previously, BHP put in an offer to acquire the company, bidding 81 cents (C$0.75) per Noront share.
However, Wyloo Metals – owned by the private investment vehicle of Andrew Forrest, who is also chair of Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) – put forward a bid of $1.19 (C$1.10) per share.
BHP vowed not to match Wyloo Metals' bid on 22 December.
Finally, the price of iron ore has likely helped boost the BHP share price this month.
According to data from CNBC, the commodity's price has increased 18% since the end of November.
A dry metric tonne of the metal is currently trading for US$112.99.
