Mergers and acquisitions expected to rise in 2014. - After a very bad year in 2013, the mining sector is expected to record better results in mergers and acquisitions in 2014, according to forecasts from Ernst&Young and PwC consultants. The number of mergers and acquisitions rose in January this year, with the launch of a TOB by Canadian gold producer GoldCorp over its fellow Canadian company, Osisko, for more than $2.5 billion. This is the highest hostile takeover bid since the end of 2012. In 2013, the number of deals fell by 25% to 702, the lowest level since 2006. The overall volume of takeovers fell to below $100 billion for the first time since 2005, worth a total amount of $87.3 billion. According to E&Y, financial investors have been the most actively interested in pursuing mining assets. (IL)