I said "one" of the catalyst. I believe Exxon sees the value/potential of unconventional plays like Mako and they have come to realize that though they are experts in many fields of exploration, this was one a bit over their head.
XTO, a company whos business plan is in large part based ond this type of exploration provides technical expertise in an area that Exxon now sees the "longterm" (like that choice of words :) value of. They are not going to settle for failure in an area that has proven potential. They will make a lot of money off this acquistion and the new tools that will continue development of Mako and other unconventional gas plays worldwide.
Think about it. 9000 ft deep and 1 and 1/2 miles wide of fracing. So much for that past illustration of the guy who is drilling between two oil rich fields and missing the spot. Now they wil just spread their wings underground and suck up everything miles around.
Sounds like one of many good reasons to bring in XTO. IMO
