Alex Kaplan submits: Obviously this is not as simple as if you can't beat them join them - or if you can't beat them, buy them - as Verenium (VRNM) and alternative energy in general is clearly still the alternative energy to oil and other fossil fuels. And clearly VRNM was in need of an investment, but British Petroleum's (BP) recent partnership and investment in VRNM is, I believe, a sign of things to come. This is certainly not the first time a traditional energy company has ventured into alternative fuels. BP is in fact quite diversified in their energy interests. From all the advertising out there by companies like Exxon (XOM) and Shell (RDS.A), they would have us believe that they are well diversified as well and constantly exploring alternative energy solutions. Whether these are pursued through their own interests or through partnerships with other companies remains to be seen, but the BP partnership with VRNM is an early indication/admission that these oil stalwarts have a lot to learn and gain from partnering with these smaller, more agile companies that have earnetstly focused all of their R&D interests in these areas. Complete Story » ...
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