takeover

the offer is for $2.50  INCLUDING the interim dividend ( ex date March 4 )  of 3.5c per share.
so shareholders will be getting $2.465  per share plus the 3.5c dividend if the takeover proceeds.
and yet there are many millions of shares on the buy side on Commsec for 2.47,  2.46,  2.45 per share.
why on earth would so many people be wanting to buy at effectively what is the offer price ??
surely some people suspect a higher bid on the way ??