RE: RE: Hello anybody hereI would highly doubt the fact that the "blackout period ends Dec. 16th" would have any affect on announcements. Whenever a deal is reached, there will be a stop-trading order issued, and it will be disclosed right away. An blackout would take effect if they are seriously close to a settlement regardless of the formal Blackout periods in place.
Given this, I would think a stretch of time with no insider trading could indicate a settlement is near.
I'd also add that negotiations would become difficult around the holiday season. Any firm that wants to make a settlement before Jan. 4th will want it complete well before the holiday season. I believe settlements will begin occuring by the end of November.
Chi