is acquisition of wpl by bhp now more likely?

BHP Billiton's new incoming CEO, Dr Andrew Mackenzie, has a strong Oil & Gas background. His recent interview comments seem to suggest that he sees Oil & Gas as a future growth opportunity for BHPB (presumably to offset the limited growth available in mining now that the mining boom has peaked). His comments had been referring to BHPB's US shale oil & gas assets. However - it also seems a logical step for BHPB to diversify to LNG through WPL.

Any new acquisition will need to be very conservative after the over-priced purchase of the US Shale assest. Acquiring Woodside would likely be viewed as conservative.

So once again WPL can be considered a BHPB acquisition target in the next 12-18 months.
This would suggest long term continued share price increase for WPL as the market factors in a possible acquisition.
Coupled with improved WPL profit trend and good dividends suggests WPL should be a strong buy for investors and an even stronger buy for those who can hold the shares for up to 12-18 months.