perhaps bhp will raise the offer

0939 [Dow Jones] Speculation in AFR's Chanticleer column that BHP (BHP.AU)
"ponders WMC (WMR.AU) scrip option" likely to keep floor under target's share
price. Hit A$8.14 record high yesterday amid speculation Rio Tinto (RIO.AU)
could offer up to A$8.40 a share, trumping BHP's friendly A$7.85 cash offer.
While many brokers caution RIO won't bid at top of cycle, speculation given
added spice with talk adviser Macquarie Bank (MBL.AU) may get involved or that
Canadian nickel giant Inco might share in asset breakup. WMC last A$8.13, BHP
bid given EC OK overnight. (IGP)