I may be wrong but for legal reasons perhaps (no-bear) they need the approval of the stockholders like us. Major step in the process. Then permit follows.

On another note; yes it would have taken a log long time to sort out the details.

"Strategic partnerships raise questions concerning co-inventorship and other intellectual property ownership, technology transfer, exclusivity, competition, hiring away of employees, rights to business opportunities created in the course of the partnership, splitting of profits and expenses, duration and termination of the relationship, and many other business issues. The relationships are often complex as a result, and can be subject to extensive negotiation"

Impossible in my mind for all this time and effort to got for naught.

GO KRY