Sam Laidlaw venture in $3.9bn move for French group’s exploration and production assets

Neptune deal involves US and Chinese backers, and sites from the North Sea to Algeria

Bosses from outside the businesses are more likely to be forced out, says PwC research

Former Centrica chief dubbed Sammy Two Pools over high executive pay awards

Ex-Centrica chief returns to corporate stage seeking acquisitions in North Sea, Africa and Asia

Investors given deadline to settle tax before tribunal hearing