Syncrude is not a stand-alone company but a comglameration of the same, the largest owner being ExxonMobil (XOM) who, has about 35 Billion in cash right now, so, I'd say this is a valid prediction, but, I'd say Exxon would takeover Nexen. Maybe CLL as well?

When Suncor takes out Petrocan, they will actually own Petrocan's stake in Syncrude, which, is worth about 12%, so, either way Suncor wins. At any rate, Syncrude and Suncor don't necessarily compete against each other in the sense you describe. Perhaps for workforce to some extent and bragging rights around Fort McMoney, but not directly for market share, or at least only to a neglible extent.

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