It says HAVE been, it is likely those negotiations have...

It says HAVE been, it is likely those negotiations have ceased

Reading too much into the language used here.have been taking place, is in no way the same as have taken place.

As for the 50% option that expired some time ago I think.

I would rather X over A, but it would appear A have played their cards pretty well. I sit and wait from news from the source itself, rather than getting too emotional about what is flying around from third parties.