"I can't imagine they will leave this until after the 18th, can you?"

Of course, they won't hold anything until after the 18th, but;

Traditionally, no one except the odd few, will tender their shares until the last 3 days before the deadline. Even if you were totaly for the deal, there is always the chance that something will pop up that could change the game. So the real rush for retail will come in those last 3 days before the close on Wednasday.

If someone (Wes) was playing for maximum effect. the time to release major news would be just as that 3 day period was starting. This logic would indicate that they will release after the close on Friday, or preopen on Monday.

There is, to date, nothing to suggest that this takeover bid will succeed. There is a probable future benefit to be realized from the synergies that an amalgamation would bring, but at today's Share prices there is a 20% premium attached to that benefit. Noront is going to have to present us with something very compelling in short order, or they are going to look awfully foolish for having instigated this in the first place.

I have my own ideas about how this thing could and may work, but until a couple of more pieces fall into place, I will hold my tongue.

Best regards

K