AJ Bell's Russ Mold wrote that it seems unlikely that Shell will propose an acquisition after restrictions relating to Shell's acquisition of British counterpart British Petroleum expired on December 26. Earlier, media reported on Tuesday that Shell's head of mergers and acquisitions had left after CEO Wael Sawan blocked a takeover of a competitor. If the reports are true, this suggests Shell is unlikely to act, Mold said. He added that merging the two companies, together with absorbing huge British Petroleum debts, could have disrupted Sawan's efforts to move Shell forward. Shell's share price fell 1.1% to 2,669 pence; British Petroleum's share price fell 0.9% to 433.55 pence.

AJ Bell's Russ Mold wrote that it seems unlikely that Shell will propose an acquisition after restrictions relating to Shell's acquisition of British counterpart British Petroleum expired on December 26. Earlier, media reported on Tuesday that Shell's head of mergers and acquisitions had left after CEO Wael Sawan blocked a takeover of a competitor. If the reports are true, this suggests Shell is unlikely to act, Mold said. He added that merging the two companies, together with absorbing huge British Petroleum debts, could have disrupted Sawan's efforts to move Shell forward. Shell's share price fell 1.1% to 2,669 pence; British Petroleum's share price fell 0.9% to 433.55 pence.