"((There have been a lot of posts also talking because the...

"((There have been a lot of posts also talking because the Directors got many of their shares at the penny level they must be happy selling now $5 or so and then moving on. I don't understand that rationale at all. What basis would they be happy selling at these levels when they have a company they grew and know has the potential to grow significantly more over the next two or three years.)""

MONT,

That is correct. They have in fact acquired those shares for peanuts, just the same as all the options that they have accumulated/awarded to themselves over the years under the pretence that it was all part and parcel of their salaries. But, who sets their own salaries is the point.
So, how many shares did they accumulate over the years, and how much will they get out of it now. How many tens of millions of dollars does that amount to..???

So, they can take their money and run without outlaying any more risks to that part of it, and start afresh with the new company by awarding themsleves a heap of new shares and options, all with the blessing of Shell mind you, who let them start all over again, by allowing them, as part of the deal, to retain those assets. Like they say my friend, the wheel continues to go around. And most importantly, no risks whatsoever for them either.
And don't forget, (Luckily not me though), that many holders have bought at more than what they have been offered now, and are now looking at the end of the gun barrell.

Also:

""(All I know is the reality of the thing that all the big players in AOE look like they are satisfied with the deal and their numbers are overwhelming when compared to the likes of many of us here.)""

Mont,

Wasn't so long ago that someone posted that the big payers combined did not hold that many shares at all. As a matter of fact, and I stand correcting here, that post was stating that about 60% and probably more, was held by the minority holders. So I don't know whwre the big players do hold the majority of the shares as you wrote. Unless of course some of the smaller holders would have sold into them. Apathy at it's best, I would call it. The she'll be right attitude. Why bother..!!!

And don't forget that the big players, are invariably there for the quick profit, not like us long term holders that hold in the hope of getting some dividends and capital appreciation on our investment as well.

Besides that, now tell me, who is the mug punters that always help in the starting of a Company during an IPO..?? The small end of Town mate. The big players do not come into calculation until all the risks are gone. Then, when the company is showing sign of something good, they will come in for the kill. Part and parcel of being in the Sharemarket.

And finally, don't forget that Shell has to reach a 90% of the total holdings before they can enforce a Compulsory acquisition for the balance. That alone, to me, does spell out plenty.

By the way Mont et all, where is the independent Expert Report that is usually supplied when a Takeover offer is on the table..???

That to me begs an answer.

Good luck all.

Buddy