Ann: Rural Services Trading Update , page-85

MJS, it's all about synergies between RHL and ELD. If the ELD debt is paid off, then RS will perform much better, and the combined group will be a powerhouse to combat Landmark.

By the way, there has been an extension of time for the ACCC decision:

http://transition.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1106381/fromItemId/750991

"ACCC requested further information from Ruralco. ACCC timeline suspended. Former proposed decision date of 16 May 2013 delayed to allow provision of requested information. ACCC will announce a new decision date in due course (as outlined in the Merger Review Process Guidelines, this may be a final decision or release of a Statement of Issues).
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So now it is some time after the 26th May. Another body could lob a bid for RS in the interim, of course, but there is > 2 weeks to go for ELD otherwise. ELD will only tread water until then, imo, but could hav a slight bump in share price if the ACCC decision comes through in the positive.