Speculation of a Shell/BP Merger?
6 June 2005
By Alfred Donovan
According to a report today by AFX, Shell’s chief financial officer Peter Voser, is going to say in an interview tomorrow that planned restructuring should make it easier for the oil company to participate in large-scale mergers.
Mr Voser reportedly will also say that the restructuring will enable the company to use its shares as acquisition currency. Presumably the reverse applies: it would be easier for a predator to launch a takeover of Shell.
Today’s report could tie-in with a story by Clay Harris in the Financial Times (published on April 21 2005) that “Royal Dutch/Shell has put together a team in The Hague with the sole purpose of making plans about how to fight off a hostile takeover.” Shell apparently refused to comment.
A usually reliable source has been telling me for some time that BP is actively making plans.
Perhaps some at Shell would welcome a BP merger/takeover.
Related reports
THE BUSINESS: BP seeks go-ahead for European oil mergers: “…has Royal Dutch/Shell in its sights…”: “If they wanted to merge, they could find a way around competition hurdles.”
FINANCIAL TIMES: Best to be prepared for any eventuality: “Mudlark hears that Royal Dutch/Shell has put together a team in The Hague with the sole purpose of making plans about how to fight off a hostile takeover.” (ShellNews.net) 21 April 05
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