Look I'm no expert in the field of shorting. You may get better...

Look I'm no expert in the field of shorting. You may get better responses from people much closer to the shorting "scene".

But in my view ..

1. I don't know from memory what the costs of borrowing to sell short are. Although they have been mentioned earlier in this thread by those with a good idea. You will need to read back. In fact reading back will give you a better understanding of what you are asking about.

2. To make money (inc to cover costs) they simply need to do what we do, except in reverse. For them, it's sell high, buy low. Pretty sure they've made quite a bit previously with PNV but not so much last year or two.

3. Not sure any "sponsor" is involved - those loaning out the stock to short are very likely to also be long term holders of PNV. They simply have no interest in day to day prices.

4. I doubt that in reality there is/will be any relationship between a takeover and shorting.

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