ann out, page-19

trading halts only last two days so it has to be lifted at a specific time. However if the deal is not done by then the company can ask for their shares to be suspended until they feel like lifting the suspension.

i.e. its just a process that needs to be followed, never read anything into the dates that are given. The announcements will be made when the deal is done. I am sure today somebody will get a sniff of the price and tell the market.