The debate around the relative merits and hence valuations of...

The debate around the relative merits and hence valuations of the RED-SLR merger rage on - but in the background there's a growing unease abut the US$POG and the state of the GDXJ which shows there very poor sentiment for gold miners, at present, especially juniors.
The growing doubts about the underlying strength and resilience of the IOUSA, along with worsening geopolitical tensions worldwide, are sapping enthusiasm for miners in general and gold in particular. The dire state of the Chinese stock market is another worry for Australia, and the wanning A$ is reflection of this.
The RED-SLR merger seems like a arranged marriage of convenience for both parties, where, despite differing opinions by family members of individual worth, the value of the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts, and a much stronger entity will be created thats has much enhanced investor appeal, increased credit worthiness and corporate firepower, will be especially valuable if the market situation continues to deteriorate.
Big RED will be able to acquire more stranded regional ore bodies in need of a milling solution, and easily justify further KOTH expansion, further regional consolidation, and much greater longevity of KOTH and Big RED .... with or without GMD ??
There are many doubters that GMD could or is capable of over bidding SLR at this point in time, as it has enough on its plate digesting its previous M&A.
This RED-SLR merger is not due for completion till the end of June - a lot could happen in the interim, but enough has transpired to reveal that both RED & SLR feel a strong need to become much bigger and stronger now ..... so buckle up and keep calm.