I understand Georg, it seems like a long time since November when we all (but especially you!) were so enthusiastic about the royalty buy back deal.

And going by the source article about Inpex I posted earlier - a JV between Inpex and Falcon doesn't even appear to be a rumour, the journalist is simply stating that Inpex would be an ideal candidate since they are actively seeking for exactly what Falcon has to offer. But that's how rumours start, of course, kind of like Chinese whispers.

Changing the subject slightly, we all know that Proactive Investors are being paid by Falcon and in my opinion the write-up they put out on 11 February (as previously discussed on the forum)

http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/65708/big-picture-falcon-oil-gas-investors-due-a-beetaloo-boost-65708.html

was done at the instigation of Falcon in an attempt to prevent a further slide in the share price because negotiations are taking longer than anticipated. It's even possible that negotiations with one party broke down and they're now on their second or even third set of talks.

I believe the key phrase in the article is the following:

"Having the right kind of partner for a venture as substantial as this is crucial, meaning the ongoing negotiations will be meticulous."

They did a fantastic deal with the Beetaloo royalties and I still have no doubt they'll do the same with the JV, even if it's taking much longer than they, or any of us, expected.