There is no doubt that any announcement by BMO/Merrill would give the stock a nice boost but it could be a bit of time before any such announcement if Bruner's comments on the recent plan for adding a new partner into the mix are correct. Bruner is quoted here in the most recent press release as stating:

"As we approach the point in time when we will begin to see test results from the Foldeak, we will apply that information to our 100% owned acreage, together with the extensive data that we have separately developed throughout this area, including the well data from our 2006-07 drilling program and our seismic information."

This indicates that Bruner wants to see some test results from the Foldeak to add significant weight to any negotiations. The risk of course being that the Foldeak results are less than spectacular. Big players, like Shell, will be in a far better position to be able to interpret the real results from the Foldeak test results, taking into account the fact that this is the very first appraisal well, than any retail investor. However, I think it speaks volumes about the real value waiting in the Mako in that Bruner is not rushing into any agreement off the cuff, but rather is waiting for a clearer and more valuable picture to come from the Foldeak testing. Regards Paul