few quick questions re upcoming options issue

Hi all,

Just a few quick questions from a newbie that has never had the opportunity to take place in an options issue.

Understanding that the record date for the issue is 28 January:

- does NG's webcast state what the closing date is? (announcement says "in February") Not on my home computer so cannot access the webcast until tonight.

- how will entitled shareholders "apply" for the options? will a request form be released? how will payment be made, cheque only? bank deposit?

- are you required to only hold MCO shares on the record date to participate or are you required to hold all shares until application or the closing date?

I guess where I'm coming from is I'm contemplating freeing up money from other holdings to increase my # of MCO for a short period of time to therefore be entitled to more options..

If I need to hold the additional MCO shares past the 28 January record date this may unfortunately impact my decision because of the increased risk