an out, page-34

"Who in their right mind (our management) would want to buy out H/Q."

But Metal - Who of us anticipated that AGS would take the legal course of action that it did ?.. Who anticipated a potential strategic alliance with Itochu ? Both a total surprise from my recollection.

With negotiation and compromise, and during that long mediation, values must have been discussed and options contemplated. Then there's that recurring refrain in the company announcements .. "if this is the best option " .....

Hamlet's famous quote comes to mind : "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your (read "our") philosophy."

Pie in the sky maybe, MD, but successful businessmen (as we have on both sides) are skilled in the art of negotiation. And offers, as we know, can come from the least expected source ... Best wishes all optimists - sis :-)