"We’ve set up a data room and we’ve got a number of interested...

"We’ve set up a data room and we’ve got a number of interested parties and we’re confident we can get a compelling offer by the end of the year.”

Hi fx. Just by the way the statement reads it suggests to me that they still hope to get a deal by the years end.
Thats Mr Wall's target to chrystalise this deal .
From my perspective as long as there is strong interest and a imminent FO it makes little difference to me if deal is not confirmed till late Jan 2019. I would prefer a good deal rather than a rushed deal simply to appeases traders than the companies long term interest.
Im confident we are in highly capable hands .
Cheers
Avi15