I have not been on here for several months so not sure on mentioning Esk these days but he has just posted another article, on the Bell/Downing bid. He is claiming there will be additional funding provided via equity, but says he is not in a position to disclose from whom or where. He distinguished this from the MSD "backing" via the loan. So it seems Bell, Downing + A.N. Other.
I take TalkCrap with a lorry load of salt, but I would have a concern about the dynamics of Bell and Downing working together. Sooner or later, and it's human nature, there will be disagreement, only here there will be money involved. There would have to be clear demarcation and would one of them take a subordinate position to the other? It's like having co-managers or co-leaders. That model tends not to work.