You say: "I am excited about hearing what the plan will be--M or A?"
IMO, this question has already been answered via the specific terminology used in the criteria for RG to receive that options package. They said "....M&A acquisition....". To me, this makes it abundantly clear that the objective is to acquire.
I'll now repeat, in summary fashion, my other basis for my opinion.
First, their using the words "M&A acquisition" was to distinguish the type of acquisition, e.g., they don't don't mean acquisition of plant, equipment, facilities or real property. They specifically mean the acquisition of another business entity.
Second, IMO, a true "merger" rarely happens - one of the two entities involved assumes control of the whole. The one with the "power" was the buyer. IMO, the word "merger" is generally used more to calm shareholders and employees of the affected entities (specifically, employees of the one being bought so they don't immediately jump ship, which would not be in the interest of the buying entity. Generally the "best and brightest" jump first, if they are so inclined, because they will more easily find employment elsewhere. The buying entity doesn't want to lose the "best and brightest" - they were part of the package that made the deal appealing.).
JMHOs,
SGE