Making predictions (especially for the future) on consolidation of ROF players and buy out timing is not what you call looking in the dark.

What's for sure is that the ROF is (far) too big to fit any Major's ignorance. As sure as hell that numerous Majors are on the verge to make their moves in the ROF. Then, the first step by a Major will normally trigger the sequence of events leading to a buy-out. Let's keep the stance that we could not care less as to the how this BOD will get us there, it's up to them to make the wise decsions, partly upon the prepatory work done by our forum members.

NOT and the ROF are just too big to fail, it's the related opportunity loss for any of the Majors here which will trigger the attendance at the ultimate bidding party. It's just the sheer size and high grades with will be more than enough.

Enjoy the ride as we will probably not get as much time to fill the board as we already have been given. A new CEO will make a difference but not the difference imho, the shareholders will ride the wave of success rather than any puppet at the top, we have seen to many 'great' CEOs getting hurt in the current turmoil, it no longer makes sense to be looking for the one and only (this we had: RN and is no longer available).