grizzly,I agree that no one will place as much value on the...

grizzly,

I agree that no one will place as much value on the asset as RIO. There is the vague possibility that companies like Areva (who want to build up a bank of U deposits for the cutomers who buy their nuke plants) could make a half-hearted attempt. Perhaps Cameco is another possibility now that Cigar Lake is looking so shaky.

The important thing about an attempt is that it need not be successful. All it needs to do is to make RIO hurry up and make RIO pay closer to market value, that's all. RIO will still end up buying it but EXT shareholers will be better treated.

Having said that, it is within the realms of possibility that other companies would make a move as a spoiling action against RIO.

BHP for example could see some strategic benefit in controlling an asset that RIO desperately wants.

I am just theorizing about possible motivations, I actually think it won't be all that exotic. I actually think RIO will just take it over after there has been the usual argie-bargie over the price.