Split - I don't think that would help you. In the next 50 years...

Split - I don't think that would help you. In the next 50 years I'd anticipate this company merging or been taken over by someone else, before surviving a 50 year period.

Either that or bankrupt due to spending all the money they made on investments that never come to fruition or underperform.

Italy I'd actually anticipate been farmed out by 2015, and then wait another 5 years for that company to explore and get into production (if anything).

UK by 2015 will be at half production due to oil in ground nearly depleted. Tanzania - I'd anticipate by 2015 that the Songa Gas Plant expansion may finally start, after 5 years of wrangling as to who is going to pay for it.

So as a long term investor my version of 'soon' is 5years :)