Just spoke to PES advisor to clarify situation. PES directors & major s/h advised they would accept bid within 7 days of BG announcement. To date they have not accepted. The BG announcement was made 19.22pm on 18 Feb. So time limit expires at 19.22pm on 25 Feb - tomorrow. So time limit expires after market closes tomorrow. It seems that whilst announcement uses the word "within" 7 days - they really mean "at the expiration" of 7 days - ie the PES directors intend to wait until the last minute to accept the BG proposal.
So he said PES will make an announcement before the opening of trade on ASX on Thursday 26 Feb with regard to the acceptance by directors of the BG offer.
He also clarified that their acceptance is still contingent upon there being no superior offer. (Thus it seems there is still time for AOE and/or SHell to come back with a higher offer - my words).
PES Price at posting:
$8.27 Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held