Daily Express: Shell faces takeover challenge from Total
“THE turmoil at Shell has triggered speculation that it could be vulnerable to a takeover or merger”
16 August 04
THE turmoil at Shell has triggered speculation that it could be vulnerable to a takeover or merger, with France’s Total tipped as a contender.
Shell has been rocked this year by revelations that its oil and gas reserves were 20 per cent lower than thought.
The crisis claimed the scalps of three senior executives^ including chairman Sir Philip Watts and the head of exploration Walter van de Vijver.
It has also raised questions about the independence of Shell which has remained on the sidelines while the industry has seen a wave of mergers and takeovers including Exxon’s purchase of Mobil.
There was speculation yesterday Total could be a potential partner for Shell as it is the only major oil company likely to be allowed to buy or merge with Shell without breaching competition rules.
*This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, shellnews.net, and shellwikipedia.com, are owned by John Donovan - more information here. There is also a Wikipedia segment, the Shell DPA Files, "Shell and the Spies", the Shell Leaks files, the Independent Shell Archive, as well as books written and published by John Donovan - Kindle eBooks. Timeline of the Donovan Shell Feud. Toxic History of Royal Dutch Shell Group. Shell and the Donovans: The Full Media Record — 550+ Articles, 110 Books, 40 Years. *All conjured up by internet wizz, Nick Gill.
