After a slow and cautious 2012, where mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the mining sector fell 30% — the lowest since 2005 — transactions are expected to continue at a modest pace this year, says the latestMining Deals report by PwC to be released this week.

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He adds the appetite for controversy is decreasing, as miners are wary of joining the list of highly publicized write-offs from past deals, both friendly and hostile.

According to Nyholt, companies want to prove more than ever that they're being prudent with their shareholders dollars.

“There's an expectation that most deals will be smaller and more digestible, triggered by companies with successful track records from both deal and project development,” Nyholt says.

http://www.mining.com/mining-mergers-in-2012-hit-lowest-in-seven-years-pwc-81031/

The delays may possibly end up hurting us even more if we do indeed have to shop around given the climate of the industry currently compared to a year or two ago. Given the desire to be more prudent, and the amount of bargains on the TSX that are available we may only get a backin but no buyout. Add to the fact that many juniors will probably disappear and their assets sold on the cheap as they disappear, it may become even more difficult to find a buyer that's buying a lot of stuff on sale already.

You know that interview question when you apply for a job, what's your greatest weakness? Most people try to turn their weakness into a strength somehow when answering it. It's possible that our greatest strength (amazing insider ownership) may be our greatest weakness in getting this sold in a timely manner. I hope I'm wrong.