how much will shell or bhp be prepared to pay

"He said both Shell Philippines Exploration and BHP, the world's biggest mining group, were also interested in Nido's stake."

Nido offering 35% if the "price is right".

the above is for SC63, i guess they'd also be interested in SC58 and perhaps looking at SC54 (outboard).

at the end of the day it would probably easier if they just bought out Nido full stop end of story.

i'd say without any doubt if you've BHP & SHELL sniffing around then others will not be far behind.

full Reuters story below

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssEnergyNews/idUSMAN5572020081113