Very interesting thoughts fish, and if you are right then this was an attempt at one of the biggest heists on New Zealanders.
Fortunately, because they can’t get rid of us minority shareholders that easily, this will never eventuate even if it was their plan.
One thing is pretty clear to me - the Canterbury basin will get drilled if OGOG wants it to. Even if they have to inject money themselves by purchasing a large piece of the equity directly.
They have a great relationship with BP and Beach - I am sure at least one of them could be convinced (if they haven’t already been).
And it would be a lot easier of course if they owned 100% of NZOG privately. No need for the rigmarole of shareholder votes etc to get the farm in partners signed off etc.
They certainly don’t think Clipper is worth $0!