How many of those companies listed as take-over targets in October 08 have actually been bought out? Anyone know?

As for NOT, their statement is very likely on the level of a company manager saying No layoffs are contemplated at this time, one month before announcing the closure of a factory. In other words, the truth about intentions or plans today is not always what happens next month.

All the current insiders want to make money, and they will steer the company with that objective. Solid plans for production can only help. All those options need to turn into bank balances somehow.