RE:How about this scenario? - TUO/TUD share purchaseJeb, a freindly buy out offer would begin with some discussion from the potential buyer. Even before any buyout offer was made, there may be some vibes as to what that may look like and when it may possibly come. Standard confidentiality agreements and the due diligence effort would likely result in some interacting and thus a "feel" for things by the parties. All speculation on my part but there is just no way that 27 million ozs, with major expansion potential, goes unnoticed by the big dogs. No chance of that.
As another scenerio, this could be related to bolstering positions in an effort to be prepared for a non invited offer. Again, just speculation on may part. But entirely possible.