Why was that a 'very good reason'? It's not like the shares raised on the news of the distribution. Also not like the distribution financially jeopardized the company.
Finally a company does right by their share-holders and the markets whack then with an 85% hair-cut? Unheard of!!
As you point out, the merger is still on...so current pps is still trading at a bargain. Thinking that's why we saw more buying throughout the day Friday. This still has about $2 to make up.