Enterprise Oil, stalked by Italy's ENI, said yesterday its new chief executive would set out the firm's strategy when it released preliminary results on February 5th - more than two weeks earlier than planned.
A spokesman for Enterprise said the decision to bring forward the issue of its annual results from February 22nd was made in response to the interest generated by news earlier this week that it had received and rejected a bid approach.
Enterprise chief executive Mr Sam Laidlaw, who took the job in November, would take the opportunity to "present his strategy for the future of the company", Enterprise said in a statement.
Industry sources have identified Enterprise's predator as acquisitive Italian group ENI, the world's sixth-largest energy company.
The Financial Times reported yesterday that ENI might try to reopen talks with Enterprise, encouraged by the anger of some Enterprise shareholders at management's rejection of the bid. Enterprise shares closed at 606 pence sterling on Thursday, valuing the company at around £3 billion (€4.86 billion).
The FT said ENI's preference appeared to be for a friendly approach, seeking eventual approval from Enterprise's board.
ENI's intentions could become clearer next week when its chief executive, Mr Vittorio Mincato, is due to give a strategy presentation in Milan on Monday and London on Tuesday.
