I would tend to think the majors will be talking not to one specific company in the area.....rather, the largest shareholders by total market cap.....I believe some of the current major shareholders of NOT are also major shareholders of area plays.....they are or will be the one's calling the shots

As I have stated before.......it is those who are controlling the majority of the shares that are in control here....as management holds only about 5% of the shares, their control is limited....especially with respect to dealings with the majors....the majors will want to deal with those who own the majority of the shares