I don't think we should start the clock unless negotiations turn sour. it's our ace in the hole, but if Teck has asked for time to line up partners or any other legitimate reason, we should cooperate in any reasonable way.

You'll catch more flys with honey than vinegar and if negotiations are in progress, and I think they are, then a little trust and cooperation would show good faith.

We have to stop thinkng that a billion plus deal is as easy to do as solving our personal problems. the deal will come when the work is done, not a minute sooner, and I don't think our management can report anything to us without revealing the fact that negotiations are in progress. I expect they have signed an agreement that would prohibit just that. ..chunky