During the 1980's, the Japanese thought vertical integration of...

During the 1980's, the Japanese thought vertical integration of their businesses was the logical and most profitable avenue.

In Australia, just look at what they bought in beef and coal. Many farms and most abbatoirs were bought up by the Jap's in the '80's. Lots of coal companies were also bought by either power companies or trading houses, like Mitsui. Buying oil just follows a long-established trend.

[One other thing - very few Japanese companies in the '80's stopped at minority interests. They liked control.]

They have now staked their claim. It will be interesting to see if anyone else wants a piece of this action.

If they do, AZA is in play.