I like the buyout theory better. It makes sense that people in the money are buying up shares in anticipation of a nice offer from Patrick.
SRB definitely needs his cash for his start up in the states.
Also if
VB is bought out by Patrick they could possibly change the name, which would mean that
VB would not be around in name.
Lastly perhaps the friends of friends are leaving
VB before they get retrenched/sacked by a new Patrick lineup.
Gotta love the grassy knoll theories.