Nobody is going to merge with JCP and take on a failing company, and it's massive debt load. That would be the opposite of what a merger candidate would be looking for.
For example, take the airline industry a few years ago. Same boat with lots of failures, and many calling for consolidating. Many filled bankruptcy, cleaned up, and merged. Might see the same thing happen with retail.
DISCLAIMER: ALL MY POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL OPINIONS AND NOT RECOMMENDATIONS TO BUY, SELL OR HOLD SECURITIES. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH/DD AND MAKE YOUR OWN TRADING DECISIONS.
People kill for money. What makes you think they will not lie to you for yours?