I'm thinking there has been a small leak to let the market know...

I'm thinking there has been a small leak to let the market know there will be an update this arvo. If I were a betting man I'd say it's an incresed deal including a non-solicitation caluse that AOE will accept in the absence of any other offers. This will get press coverage all around the world on the last Friday day before the weekend. Good coverage if you're trying to get the attention of other majors you may be prevented from approaching directly.