The two consortiums looking to acquire control of ferries group Irish Continental had to declare the highest amount they are prepared to pay for the company by 5pm today.
The original deadline had been set for Friday, but was extended over the weekend.
Both Moonduster - the consortium which includes One51 and Doyle Shipping, and the management group Aella - headed up by ICG chief executive Eamonn Rothwell, had offered $22 per share, leading to what the directors acknowledged was a 'lack of clarity'.
Each group holds a blocking stake - Moonduster controls 20.38% and Aella 17.19% - which means a breakthrough is unlikely today as the successful party will need to gain the support of 75% of the company's share capital.
Developer Liam Carroll has also been stakebuilding in the ferries group and holds around 10% of the company.
