For Malyshev GAAP audit is an "official" way to price NWOG Inc., either for future uplisting or ... The fact is - he is not running NWOG as independent public company, in his mind it's an "American branch" of parent SZNG. And for SZNG the 2008 will be the turning point. Presidential election in Russia (although Putin's position is well secured now), NWOG audit, Syrian Government decision on refineries contracts, SNGF acquisition,... all those events should happen (or not) in the first half of the year. If SZNG/NWOG wins one of the Syrian contracts (or couple of them) the whole company, together with it's "American branch" will immediately become a buyout target. I always thought about one of Russian majors (like Rosneft or Stroytransgaz). Rosneft is likely to buy our "founding father" SurgutNeftegaz in 2008. SZNG acquisition could be an automatic "side effect", especially with one of Middle East contracts or Algeria Rosneft license.
But after recent Malyshev's interview I see "Indian hand" everywhere... :) even in Syria:
Deir ez-Zor refinery will likely go to Kuwait's NOOR. This company will invite a big group of investors to participate. SZNG could be among them (we see some tips on NWOG website), but chances are not too good.
Homs project will likely go to Iran-Venezuela-Malaysia consortium, although the final decision is still to be made.
Banias refinery upgrading project is the place, where I really hope to see SZNG/NWOG. We were personally invited there by Asad during his meeting with Putin. Now I read about our "relative" Stroytransgaz being invited for reconstruction of Iraq-Syria (Banias) pipeline. And... our former (and current) partner India Oil together with Engineers India Limited (EIL) also demonstrates interest in Syrian refineries and especially Banias project. SZNG (Russian Government support) + Stroytransgaz (ME expertise and experience) + India Oil/EIL (high qualification + big money) = perfect combination: JV, or ... maybe Indian company is interested to buy the whole deal out.
What I am trying to say - some significant events in 2008 can interfere with NWOG uplisting plans. That's my New Year eve tale. Now ibreken will explain you why "scams have no chance to be bought out or get uplisted". :)
