'j4j' pid='29315' dateline='<a href="tel:1380224 Wrote:

'Crippsfl' pid='29314' dateline='<a href="tel:1380224 Wrote:

Considering the fact that IOC has been tighter than a duck's behind when it comes to giving ANY details regarding the conversations with XOM, this is not surprising. What was Wayne going to say during the question and answer sessions other than, "I cannot comment on ongoing negotiations?" What does that accomplish? Better to wait until the deal is done and then they will have PLENTY to talk about. Just a WAG on my part.

generally speaking, a company only cancels a conference appearance for a good reason, particularly at the conference of a firm which provides key sell-side research.

You are exactly right.  they would attend if possible.  I always thought we would be close when they shut WA down on the conferece circuit.  Perhaps he has now been brought over the wall on deal(s) details.  Will be interesting to see if he is still readily accessible to shareholders.  I hope not.  Silence may be Golden at this point.

I remember Westlake and I like their thinking:

http://www.streetinsider.com/Analyst+PT+Change/Westlake+Securities+Raises+PT+on+InterOil+%28IOC%29+to+$130/8368802.html

Interesting that if I recall correctly MH was holding things so close to his chest that even WA did not know what is going on. If WA can not attend what could he know???? It might just be positive, Interesting [/quote]

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Total guess but I wouldn't think it would just be because of something "he knows".  I would think he could artfully choose not to disclose something like that (he does it every day when being pumped by shareholders)...while still creating a positive presence for IOC at the event. 

One plausible explanation might be that whatever IOC plans, strategies, projects that he would have addressed may no longer be up to IOC...but rather up to the vision of managment of XOM or RDS.  

Since this is still 10 days away, I would assume it wouldn't be health-related for WA.  

'Getitrt2' pid='29322' dateline='<a href="tel:1380225 Wrote:I don't think they have allowed being in negotiations stop them before, or would now. It could be simply a matter of anticipating too much conflict with respect to travel, the formalities of jointly closing the deal and getting the announcement and regulatory filings out, and coordinating and communicating with the PNG government, investment bankers , etc. I think that is going to be a complex, fast moving, international process, and it may be tricky getting it done and disclosed properly without any leaks.

I like your very reasonable suggestion G~