Another suitor emerges in latest Rockhopper rumours
Rockhopper Exploration (RKH) remains in focus at the start of a new trading week following fresh takeover rumours.
The latest suitor for the AIM-listed company is believed to be US giant Anadarko Petroleum (APC).
Rumours emerged in The Times last week that the Anadarko jet was spotted at Port Stanley in Rockhopper's Falklands base.
The story was expanded in The Sunday Times which reported that a team of officials from the Texan-based group had arrived for talks with the Rockhopper team and may help to provide the $2 billion (c£1.3 billion) needed to develop the 500 million barrel Sea Lion prospect there.
Rumours were rife on Twitter where The Sun's business editor Steve Hawkes said he understood talks were "advanced" and said his sources had told him: "A deal is tabled."
Anadarko is one of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in the world and its focus until now has largely been within the US and Canada.
The company was a minority owner in BP's (BP.) Macondo well and last year agreed to pay BP $4 billion to settle claims over the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Rockhopper's search for a partner - with the help of Bank of America - may just as easily lead to a takeover bid as the tiny company has limited assets.
Its shares jumped last week when it emerged that five companies were showing an interest in the company, including BP, Cairn Energy (CNE) and North Sea-focused Premier Oil (PMO) in the UK along with Noble Energy and Amerada Hess in the US.
The latest news is sure to enliven trading on Monday and may increase the pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron to ensure political peace in the region following recent sabre-rattling by the Argentine government.
Over on the Interactive Investor discussion board for Rockhopper, there was already a buzz about the potential impact on the share price. This finished at 323p on Friday but some saw it moving closer to 350p on Monday.
Another key issue under discussion was the element of Sea Lion which is owned by Rockhopper's partner, Desire Petroleum (DES).
"Any production of Sea Lion must involve acquisition of the Desire share of Sea Lion. Am wondering how this could work," said ii user 'richlist'.
"Could Desire make high demands and perhaps hold any deal to ransom? Could Desire be offered a 'take it or leave it' and if you leave it we will produce Sea Lion and leave your 26 million barrels in the ground. Could Desire be taken over completely so negotiation of their 40% is not an issue?," he pondered.
What's next for the Falklands? Find out from Malcolm Graham-Wood of VSA Capital, who shares his views on potential new entrants, reshuffling of interests and whether another Sea Lion is on the cards.
