I would have thought AGS would have canvassed all the major...

I would have thought AGS would have canvassed all the major players before getting into bed with Itochu. They have considerable experience and networks in the sector. To me the deal "provides certainty" in the fact they have a major "publicly listed and accountable" player who can deliver all that Q/H could have but with better processing costs, AGS will be the major JV partner, having a min 60% of Four Mile not 25% that they currently have.
The Maldon spin off is as a result of a completely different set of circumstances imo.
GLA
cheers
EP