OPINION: There is an air of inevitability about the successful completion of the all-share merger between Woodside and BHP’s petroleum division which will create a company with an estimated market capitalisation in excess of A$60 billion (US$45 billion).
Completion of the merger is planned for 1 June 2022, assuming Woodside's shareholders vote in favour of the deal on 19 May.
There does not seem to be any resistance to the merger by key stakeholders, including BHP shareholders who are not required to vote on the agreement and are poised to receive Woodside shares as a fully franked dividend.
