1 Repsol2 Statoil3 PetrobrasAfter much naval gazing and research...

1 Repsol
2 Statoil
3 Petrobras

After much naval gazing and research my front runner has now changed to Repsol. "Tremendous brand" got me thinking. Statoil and Petrobras both fit this description,however, only in the Northern hemisphere, to most Australians they are unknown (unless you are in the O&G industry).

Both Statoil and Petrobras have the reputation and size but a question hangs over both regarding independence, especially Statoil.

Repsol ticks all the boxes - bigtime. Brand name has massive worldwide and Australian profile due to years of sponsorship of the Honda MotoGP team. Remember Mick Doohan? 5 time world champ, and is only one of many who carried the Repsol brand. Most Australians know of Repsol but wouldn't have heard of Statoil or Petrobras. So I reckon the share price will fly if it's Repsol because of the Joe Public brand recognition factor.

Reputation
http://www.repsol.com/es_en/corporacion/responsabilidad-corporativa/reconocimientos/default.aspx

Independence
http://www.repsol.com/es_en/corporacion/accionistas-e-inversores/inf_general_acerca_de_la_sociedad/la_accion_y_el_capital_social/distribucion_accionarial/default.aspx

Size
#15

I said lock it in Eddie!