I need some help re. the options exercise and the distribution...

I need some help re. the options exercise and the distribution of the USN shares.
If USN approves of the Bullant deal on the 25th March then, according to the ann. made on the 25th Feb the record date to be on the register and entitled to take part in the distribution of USN shares is the 1st April.
Now that would only leave 4-5 days to send in your forms & cheques to the ARD office!!
Is that enough time for the ARD office to process the cash and inform the registry to place you on the register making you eligible for the distribution??
I just wonder whether the ARD management could drag their feet a bit, and that would allow for a bigger distribution to all current shareholders and cut out the optionholders who would rather pay the 18c price after the meeting than having to pay 20c now to be sure of being on the register by the 1st April
Any thoughts would be welcome.