In the 1990s, the group signaled its intention to invest but failed to find a suitable target as recession swept the continent in the early part of the decade.

WSJ: Mitsui Fudosan Has

The searcher raises initial capital from investors to fund his search (average length: 18 months) and then returns to those investors seeking additional capital for an acquisition once he finds a suitable target.

FORBES: Search Funds: The Boys Club You've Never Even Heard Of

"Set against this backdrop, it comes as no surprise, that the Ospreys agreed with Marshall to examine the opportunity for an early release and jointly identify a suitable team in Europe as the target for the transfer, " said a statement from the region.

BBC: Marshall makes Montpellier move

If the target slab is deemed suitable, a number of test holes are likely to be drilled - using the rotation as well the percussive action - before a powdered sample is picked up and delivered to Curiosity's onboard laboratories.

BBC: Curiosity Mars rover hammers into rock