mhk77, isn't that what the 1 year notice period is for? My understanding was that a decision needed to be made 1 year before end of contract to allow for such an eventuality. Therefore if they are restarting the tendering process (which takes around 6 months) they are shooting themselves in the foot as NATS can surely walk away or turn round and say "if you want another 6 months then it's gonna cost you £x,xxx,xxx)
As for the documentation NATS would simply sell the MATS2 to them for a price.
I have heard that official announcement will be made to staff tomorrow lunchtime, as yet NATS have not been informed of the decision and will be told tomorrow morning.