ok ITTR, the granting of options now is odd, but why? Why do it now instead of after the AGM, and, give them 10 years to exercise?

Posing the question like that makes it seem as though an offer for the company is coming either soon, or within 10 years, which gives quite a marginal of wiggle.

It could also mean they're not certain about the current deal going through.

The answer that they anticipate a higher price by the time of the AGM makes the most sense.

I also agree that any buyout offer is not in the shareholders best interests if what we have is as good as they suggest.

Whatever happens, it better be good.