RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:Bam. RIO or any other suitor can make an offer for the company, which will likely be an arrangement swapping out shares of WRN for the shares of the acquiring company.
Could a suitor pay cash? Sure, but why?! First of all, it drains the resources of the acquiring company and it causes a tax HEADACHE for the shareholders. Sometimes, the arrangment will give the shareholders the option to receive either cash or shares.
Unless RIO meets the asking price (in excess of $10 USD eaily) of the BoD, good luck swinging a deal. They seem to be on cordial terms with each other, however, that does not preclude a competing offer from NEM or any other potential suitor. No doubt that all eyes are on WRN as assets of this magnitude are extremely rare and practically none are available for sale by a junior.