Dominic O’Connell Published: 24 January 2016
ROYAL DUTCH SHELL is expected to seal its takeover of rival oil and gas producer BG this week, with shareholders of both companies likely to vote in favour of the tie-up.
The deal, the largest in oil and gas for a decade, will create a British giant, bringing together companies with market values of £89bn (Shell) and £33.5bn (BG).
Some Shell investors have criticised the deal and vowed to vote against it, saying the tumbling oil price has made it unattractive. Shell’s boss Ben van Beurden has said oil needs to be above $60 a barrel over 20 to 30 years for the deal to pay off. Brent crude closed last week at $32.18 a barrel.
