Muzza, AOE conditions, including min 90% acceptance, have been dropped. It is interesting to see how the two companies are playing the game-BG exploiting the 'cash certainty' angle, over the AOE offer which varies with the AOE shareprice. AOE is now seeking to exploit BG's 'foreign investment' hurdle by offering a relatively immediate (and of course improved) payout to those who accept. Given BG was allowed to take over QGC, I feel FIRB approval will just be a formality, but the revised AOE offer is exploiting that opportunity while it is there. Ironically, as both have 'skin in the game',the one who does not get PES could benefit handsomely by selling to the other at the highest price possible. Will this 'second prize' make each side more willing to submit counter-offers, at least up to their 'true believed' valuation of PES? I plan to sit tight with my few PES until the bidding war has clearly ended. I feel BG will be back at least one more time.
PES Price at posting:
$6.72 Sentiment: ST Buy Disclosure: Held