The leader of Portsmouth City Council, Gerald Vernon-Jackson, has long been regarded as the man lining up to step into Mike's shoes.

BBC: Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock's heart-stopping call

Now, many who have submitted claims are likely walking with a lighter step, and many more are lining up to file new claims.

FORBES: UBS' Bradley Birkenfeld Gets $104 Million, Blows Doors Off IRS Whistleblower Program

Bureaucracy at every step--background checks, fingerprinting, drug testing and lining up insurance--ate up six months.

FORBES: Companies, People, Ideas

Since most potential buyers would probably prefer to sell off some assets while holding others, lining up potential spinoff transactions beforehand could be a vital step toward deciding whether to bid for the company.

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