careful if you're short. attn gse, page-3

"those taking short positions intend to recall all the stock one week before the pending vote. That's presumably so they can vote for or against the deal."

They cannot vote unless they are holding shares. Unwinding short positions is not enough, they then need to go LONG as well.

Does this mean 600m shares will be bought?

Sounds like a good time for a long strangle.