JAMAKE1,
I'm curious if you're aware of what constitutes insider trading? An officer of a company who speaks prematurely about a transaction that could materially altar the share price of his/her company would be in violation of the law. Did you honestly expect them to be truthful with you about any potential strategic transactions? You've got to be kidding me.
I for one, am intimately aware of the term "insider trading," since my wife is an SEC officer. For your information, providing false info, such as specifically saying something won't happen when you know it will, can also manipulate stock prices and trading decisions as well, and therefore can be considered a form of insider trading or stock manipulation.
The only safe way is to not comment
either way as to the validity of anything. Vague answers and "no comment" are your only protection from such a violation.
I was not there when Tilton and company made their comments, but if they were asked specific information, and gave specifically false answers, (as Jamake1 says)they are still in violation
IF they are aware of a transaction. And one can only assume that the CEO would know about something like this.
So your argument about Tilton giving false info to throw people off, does not hold water. The only thing I will say is that, much like executives at USAir, CO executives might have plans in place in the event such an opportunity presents itself. They might even have financial backing to make it happen. This does not constitute a formal discussion between two entities, nor can it be considered inevitable or a "done deal." They could approach UA with such a proposal in the future, and UA could simply say no thanks. Remember how sure certain people were that a deal with USAir was planned with UA, and how foolish they looked when UA said no???
Did any of you ever consider the possibility that an informal discussion, or even a plan, could exist that would be implimented only if other airlines such as DL and NW attempt to combine? Something to think about. All this talk about done deals, etc. etc. is a waste of time and energy.
One thing I also assure you of is that if it makes business sense, and UA decides this is a good path for it's future, it will not be a take over, or a forced hand with no options. It will be strategic and UA will be in the driver's seat.
peace,
767jetz