BG Group

Genel Energy, the Iraqi Kurdistan-focused oil producer co-founded by former BP boss Tony Hayward, on April 24 named Stephen Whyte to succeed the retiring Hayward in June.

Whyte, who has over 30 years of experience at Royal Dutch Shell, BG Group and Portugal's Galp Energia, will join the board as non-executive director and chairman designate with immediate effect, Genel said.

Royal Dutch Shell on Feb. 4 announced an 87-percent plunge in annual net profits on slumping oil prices.

Royal Dutch Shell on July 30 said it plans to reduce its headcount by 6,500 this year owing to sliding oil prices and as it looks to complete a mega takeover.

The British government has warned oil giant BP that it would oppose a foreign takeover of the company weakened in recent years by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, media reports said on April 27.

"The government has met with BP in recent days to express its opposition to any potential takeover of the oil major," the Daily Telegraph reported.

Royal Dutch Shell on April 8 announced a mega takeover of British rival BG Group worth 47 billion, as the pair consolidate in a sector battered by sliding oil prices.
      
The deal, approved by the BG board, is worth the equivalent of $70 billion or 64 billion euros.
      

British oil company BP expects to invest around $12 billion with its partners as part of a finalized West Nile Delta concession deal to develop 5 trillion cubic feet of gas resources and 55 million barrels of condensates.