All good points and I don't have a crystal ball but just a...

All good points and I don't have a crystal ball but just a couple of points;

1. Due diligence has already been taking place as part of the sale of the assurance / standards business and a number of other businesses have been taking a look
2. The board may be recommending the offer only because the Baring offer may be making commitments not to split the business up which is what some of the other bidders would be looking to do

Assurance / standards likely to go to European bidder while the risk and information services side likely to be attractive parties closer to home such as Bureau's or other data service providers.

Lastly, Patient you state that a large tranche of shares changed hands already and make the assumption this is to Barings. Do you know this and if so I'd be interested to understand how or where you see this or is this an assumption?