I am just thinking aloud here (and taking out my emotions), but...

I am just thinking aloud here (and taking out my emotions), but could it be possible that NVS approached SI (and his mates) informally to feel out their views on a T/O.
Perhaps NVS didn't get the vibe they were close to meeting the price or their objectives and thought they would be better off taking a different strategy.
I say this because if the OTAT results were known MSB would have had to announce this to the market and there would surely be questions if NVS knew before the market and was allowed to act upon it before SHs?
Also considering the significant synergies that purportedly exist (discussed ad nauseam on HC) between the two companies, I am thinking in particular the CHF arena.
Given that only a few weeks ago we were front and centre stage at the AHA conference, and the spectacular results in this area are agreed with the FDA (in a long term trial), it seems a very odd decision by NVS
If this (hostile TO) is NVS's strategy, doing so before OTAT results may be a master stroke.
Perhaps this is all wishful thinking on my part as I watch my retirement funds evaporate.