StatoilHydro became a reality on October 1, 2007, after the plan for the merger was announced between Statoil and Hydro's oil and gas division on December 18, 2006. The Norwegian parliament, the Storting, approved the merger plan in June 2007, and the new company has both the size and the strength to expand internationally. Statoil and Hydro have been the most important players in the Norwegian oil industry, with proud traditions of expertise and innovation stretching b…