rtokens: Analysts predict Santa Fe will go to the highest bidder , and that if a rival buyer is found , Newmont may not be able to match its offer .
pos: NNP VBD DT NNS VBP VBD JJ NN , IN VBN TO NN DT NNS .
tokens: Newmont said the companies have had previous contact , though declined to detail the encounters .
ltokens: Wall Street , since the bid , has speculated that any deal between Newmont and Santa Fe would be a " bear hug , " or a reluctantly negotiated agreement where the buyer is not necessarily a friendly suitor .