The Financial Post reports in its Wednesday edition that Cenovus Energy has postponed a shareholder vote on its friendly takeover deal for MEG Energy, after early indications suggested that once again the bid could fall short of the two-thirds support required for approval. The Post's Meghan Potkins writes that on Tuesday, MEG said about 63 per cent of shareholders support Cenovus's bid, based on votes that were submitted by proxy, or that were expected to be voted in-person at a special meeting Thursday. MEG noted the support came "despite opposition from Strathcona Resources Ltd. which is assumed to have voted against." Cenovus is postponing the meeting to Oct. 30 to give shareholders more time to vote on its cash-and-stock offer for MEG. This is the second postponement of the vote, which was initially cancelled due to low proxy returns. Following the first cancellation, Cenovus improved its bid for MEG in exchange for the right to purchase additional shares. The move to release Cenovus from typical "standstill" provisions in a contested takeover battle was unusual and resulted in complaints to the Alberta Securities Commission last week. The move was intended to boost Cenovus's influence in the latest proxy vote.