Post by
psj567 on Oct 07, 2013 9:28am
100% RMC Properties
The reason why RMC announced that it is proceeding with work on its 100% owned Serbian properties is fairly obvious. Freeport likely is trying a squeeze tactic and demanding these properties be a free throw-in in any buy-out of RMC respecting the Timok JV. RMC's announcement essentially is telling Freeport that while RMC may be the small fish it still is in control of its own destiny. Eventually Freeport will get the message that such tactics are counterproductive. Looking at Freeport's three (3) recent moves in the chess match: stopping virtually all drilling, significantly increasing its 2014 exploration budget for Timok and now trying to get RMC's other properties as freebies in any buy-out deal, it becomes clear that Freeport is going to buy out RMC sooner rather than later-- but not before it tries to drive down the purchase price. The big unknown is whether Freeport will try to squeeze RMC by forcing it to raise funds for its 45% of the exploration/development budget going forward. IMO, this would be extremely benefical to RMC shareholders in the long run as RMC will have no problem raising the institutional (or white knight) funding for nearly a double of its ownership interest had Freeport self-funded, i.e., from 25% to 45%. I would be surprised if RMC has not already lined up such contingent funding sources should they be necessary. Overall, I can't believe Freeport would be that stupid to want to risk the possible introduction of another major copper producer into the Serbian space, especially for $500 million which is a drop in the bucket for Freeport.
Comment by
santee on Oct 07, 2013 2:39pm
Game on, we knew this was coming down the pipe The short play holders will be shortly out. The reasoning explained is short and simple Now swimming with the sharks..