I'll tell you what I think. I think BR/OZL had been plotting for...

I'll tell you what I think.
I think BR/OZL had been plotting for some time on their own.
I think the company was carrying on as we thought and looking for a new chair until December when they found a magnificent one.
I think when the board advised the significant holders of the impending appointment BR realised the game was up.
If NH was appointed with his know how and industry and financial contacts the game they'd been playing for a year would be of no value.
I believe at that time machinations were put in place to stop the appointment and things went from there.