However, speculation exists that the $600-700 million ExxonMobil expects to raise from the sale is way outside the value other players are putting on the historic assets.
While not confirmed by the secretive ExxonMobil, it is understood Mitsui, Santos and Origin have bid, in addition to two corporate plays. One of these is by Macquarie Bank and the other through industry identity Graeme Foley and David Libling, and their Gradav vehicle.
OMV was tipped as an early interested party but apparently failed to submit a formal bid in the end. The same lack of keenness is reflected by market talk that neither Santos nor Origin were likely to be aggressive bidders for the assets.
On the other hand, ExxonMobil was unlikely to let the Cooper Basin go for a song.
"They (ExxonMobil) pride themselves on only selling half of the assets they offer for sale. They will only sell if they get their price," an un-named banker was quoted by the Financial Review as saying.
The bids closed on June 4.
