The difference is that Nexen has a very large conventional oil operation which is very profitable and operates on an international basis in several theatres. Gulf Of Mexico, and North Sea for two of them and as I recall exploratory property in Africa also. They just had a major find last week in the Gulf of Mexico! As for their Oil Sands activity, They are growing into it. Difference? Their conventional activity grants them their needed capital availability while they learn the Oil Sands operations. As Petrolifera has not been succesful, it is unable to fulfill the same function for Connacher.

Additionally, StatOil the big Norwegian multinational is involved with Nexen in Europe and also in Canada. StatOil has major landholdings right next to Nexens. Watch out for a joint development with Nexen and StatOil in partnership. Also, I would not ultimately be surprised to see a possible merger between Nexen & StatOil. I am actively looking to acquire both of these company stocks. They are both multinational, succesful companies which are poised for growth. and pay a dividend. In the case of StatOil a very nice one. StatOil is known as being expert in deepwater exploration, has large holdings in off-shore Brazil and has already brought a deepwater find online in off-shore deepwater Brazil. A combination of these two companies would create a lot of synergistic opportunities,

Do not underestimate this pairing!!

Brian