RE:potentially pleasant problem
Livit, I'm no expert, but usually companies make these decisions behind closed door, back and forth with suitors and make an internal decision as management and board of directors. The board of directors would they ask shareholders to vote yes/no on one recommendation. Usually, this would have been the best possible deal negotiated behind closed doors. You would receive a special proxy from your broker, if you are signed up to receive paper work from companies you own; note: some people have this correspondance turned off as default, so you may have to ask for such proxies specifically when the time is right. If the proposition is defeated, which is not likely here (I would vote yes for a reasonable offer), then it would be back to the drawing board for the next best offer, resolution, recommendation, and then proxy vote. We have a shareholder's right plan and poison pill preventing a lowball offer which is a nice thing. I'm really glad this was done and am happy that all the Ts have been crossed and Is dotted over time. A long wait, but the payoff may be worth it.
I presume that when one offer is made, Tim and Blake would inform all other interested parties and a very intense courting session would begin with the board actively engaged. This would be for a buyout only. I'm not sure of the procedure for a JV. I guess it really depends upon whether Tim and Blake really want to run a mining company or simply cash in. Tim has stated that he wants to run a mining company on several conference calls, so a straight buyout may never be considered. . . unless it's too good to refuse, which would be a pleasant development for us all.
GLTA,
Nobodysfuel