but why would you want to fend off BHP?they are the better...

but why would you want to fend off BHP?

they are the better performer of the two for a long time now.

Stronger management (im sure we could argue that till the cows come home), better assets (lets just start with the oil exposure).

I bought a chunk of RIO very recently and did it with the full intention of being first in line when the BHP offer comes through.

I appreciate there is a risk it wont eventuate, in which case i am still holding onto a good company anyway, but i wonder how many other investors have bought RIO since the BHP offer with the full intent of accepting the deal.

I would suspect a great deal (not to mention the institutes who would love to close the 8% gap).

If the RIO board seriously dont intend to meet with BHP, i think they are neglecting their primary role (looking after shareholder interests). I suspect that, that is not the case, and they are just waiting for approval of the deal before they spend any genuine effort on considering the options.