BHP: gets partial U.S. anti-trust clearance for Rio bid

SYDNEY (Reuters) - BHP Billiton Ltd/Plc (BHP.AX)(BLT.L) has received partial clearance from U.S. anti-trust watchdogs to proceed with its bid for rival Rio Tinto Ltd/Plc (RIO.AX)(RIO.L), BHP said on Thursday.

It said it had received notice of an early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act waiting period and completion of a merger review by the Department of Justice.

The Act gives the U.S. government a chance to review the potential effects on competition of mergers.

(Reporting by James Regan)