No. I don't think that it is illegal. But if the market is correct, they would have to say to the market the price per share that they would get.
In most cases, from what I have seen in the past, the Instos etc., will get the some price during a takeover that the rest of the shareholders will get. (If they keep to the rules that is).
As such I can't see as to how the Banks will buy shares at a higher price than the current offer, simply to loose money.
NO. IMHO they know and are expecting something that we don't.
Buddy
AOE Price at posting:
$5.07 Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held