Not true that "partnership is off the table." Insiders CANNOT trade the stock on inside information. Dr. Bertolino would be FORBIDDEN to sell stock if he knew that there were not to be a partnership. Martha Stewart learned all about insider trading, from "inside." (inside a prison as a result, for our younger readers who may not remember this incident.)

But this is not an issue with Dr. Bertolino returning shares to the company, as Leo Ehrlich stated. This was planned compensation and he did not sell shares on the open market.