investors should be ready m&a offers coming

Could this be the cause of recent higher than average volumes...

Six Companies About to Get Swamped with M&A Offers
Digging for Bargains Down Under ~ October 3rd, 2012 by Jason Simpkins

These companies – along with Molopo Energy (PINK: MLOOF) and Red Fork Energy (PINK: RDFEF) – are drastically undervalued. As such, they make compelling takeover targets.

Ironically, a potential suitor could be BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP), which got burned on $20 billion worth of poorly-timed acquisitions last year. Prices for natural gas and other commodities plunged just as BHP stocked up on shale assets, forcing the company to scale back development plans for iron ore, copper and uranium.

Still, its petroleum division is expected to buoy earnings this year, and natural gas liquids could offer another lifeline.

Michael Yeager, head of BHP’s petroleum division, has said that natural gas prices of $3.50 per Btu would entice the company to mobilize and start looking for new takeover opportunities.

Bottom line: The natural gas rebound will usher in a flurry of M&A activity that will mean big profits for small or distressed companies. Investors should be ready.

Read the full article here...
http://www.trefis.com/stock/ceo/articles/146759/six-companies-about-to-get-swamped-with-ma-offers/2012-10-03