ALH,
I agree that Santos will TRY to take out ESG for a low price, but let's not for one minute think they will succeed.
ESG, like a porcupine, will roll into a tight circle and use all its armoury to protect itself.
ESG has been planning its strategy for more than a year and Santos could be left bloodied and dirt if it tries a hostile takeover.
I don't believe a hostile takeover will win.