It is interesting to note that the share price held to close at...

It is interesting to note that the share price held to close at 0.195 cents on Friday.

The share puchase plan/placement could be one justification:
The SPP provided to professional and sophisticated investors and Eligible Shareholders the opportunity to purchase shares in BRN at A$0.193 per share which represented a discount of:
(a) 3.5% discount to the last close of A$0.20 per share on Monday, 22 July 2024; and
(b) 4.0% discount to the 10-day VWAP of A$0.201 per share up to and including Monday, 22 July 2024.
I can't recall having seen such a smallish discount on a placement/share offering.

"What did BRN have in it's quiver a couple of yrs ago, when it shot to $2 plus?", https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/2024-brainchip-discussion.7750287/page-9752, I agree hamilton66, in comparison to then and now the stable currently consists of; "The only pure play neuromorphic computing company available to retail investors", https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/2024-brainchip-discussion.7750287/page-9749, along with; we have been informed of recent discussions shortly to come to a conclusion.

Likewise, thanks for the links Fact Finder, https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/2024-brainchip-discussion.7750287/page-9750, certainly is an eye opener how much less energy would be needed while doing battle to reduce energy consumption in terms of the environment and cost of doing business, all the while, "increasing data privacy and security for a better user experience".

In addition, how can one possibly argue an NDA; "In Australia, the Privacy Act 1988 deals with your information privacy rights and how organisations and agencies must handle your personal information."

Just as an afterthought, would there be a blackout period imposed while negotiations are in progress?