<p>It's down to the short strokes in Fairfax Media's auction and at the stage where a lot can happen in one day. </p>
<p>As of Wednesday night, private equity suitors Hellman & Friedman and TPG were still working towards Fairfax Media's imposed Friday deadline, although it remains to be seen whether either - let alone both - would have an offer in front of the media company's board, as requested. </p>