Few Questions On Consolidation

First off, Sorry Painter for your loss, losing that sort of money along with a house would drive me Fvcken crazy tipping me over the edge big time. Now I've never been caught in a consolidation and I know it's filthy word, but i want to know what is the likelihood of ICG going into one with South32. Also what are the main factors that cause a company to go into consolidation, also what common waring signs do shareholders get before one happens. Does one have enough notice to sell out before it happens, or do we go into a trading halt, come out of it our shares have automatically been converted. What are the chances of ICG going into one or any company so to speak. Are there any tell-tale signs that one should look out for before getting Fvcked over ?, as i would hate to be part of any consolidation, get screwed outta my hard earned moolah. And on a lighter note is there anything positive that comes out of a consolidation for shareholders, NOT the company, but as a shareholder ? Cheers Kiwi