It will be interesting to see a report on the short position, as the time for the closing of the deal nears. If those shorts have to be covered, which I don't see why they wouldn't, the holders of that short position will employ a method to cause the smallest rise in the share price possible. What that method might be, I would say many here are more knowledgeable and able to answer that question than I. Some sort of large cross might be arranged, but one would think it has to come at some premium, because why would someone be willing to sell to someone that is being forced to buy at the current market price? But somehow, between the shorts and the brokerages houses, well, let's just say I remain skeptical of much of an effect.