Comprehensive Energy Data Intelligence
Information About Energy Companies, Their Assets, Market Deals, Industry Documents and More...
Merger of Equals: Whiting and Oasis $6B Deal
04/22/2022
The two Bakken shale producers announced in a joint statement on March 7 that they had reached an agreement to unite in a $6 billion "merger of equals."
The deal provides Whiting stockholders with 0.5774 shares of Oasis common stock in addition to $6.25 in cash per share of Whiting stock owned. It is expected that the combined company will be listed on the NASDAQ under a revised ticker that will be announced prior to the closing under the leadership of Oasis CEO Danny Brown.
Combining these two companies will create a leading Williston Basin position with assets covering approximately 972,000 net acres, production of 167,800 boe/d, and an enhanced free cash flow generation that will generate capital returns to shareholders.
A historic collapse in oil prices prompted both Whiting and Oasis oil companies to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020. Thus, the merger can be viewed as a preventive measure to avoid going out of business.
Each company has executed a series of strategic transactions over the last year, reducing costs and establishing leading frameworks for ESG. Together, these two companies' efforts should accelerate, and they will be better positioned to generate strong free cash flow, implement a streamlined strategy, and boost the return on capital. It should also benefit the development of the communities in which these companies operate in the great states of North Dakota, Texas, and Montana.
In the wake of the transaction, Brown will be named president and CEO of the combined company, which will have a headquarters in Houston but retain a Denver office going forward. Lynn Peterson, Whiting's president, and CEO will serve as the board's executive chair.
Both boards of directors of the companies have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of 2022. Under customary closing conditions, the Whiting and Oasis shareholders will have to approve the deal as well.
The combined company will have approximately 53% Whiting shareholders and 47% Oasis shareholders, assuming that the transaction closes on an all-stock basis. A special dividend of $15 per share will be paid to Oasis shareholders upon the closing of the transaction.
An investment return program representing 60% of the free cash flow will be implemented during the second half of 2022. Combining the two companies will enable a quarterly dividend increase of roughly $25 million, which would equal $0.585 per share, through variable dividends and share repurchases. Prior to closing, each company will carry on with its formally announced programs.
Whiting has been advised regarding the transaction by Citi and Kirkland & Ellis LLP. While Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., RBC Capital Markets LLC, and Vinson & Elkins LLP advise Oasis.
If you are looking for more information about energy companies, their assets, and energy deals, please, contact our sales office mapping@hartenergy.com, Tel. 619-349-4970 or SCHEDULE A DEMO to learn how Rextag can help you leverage energy data for your business.
Exploring the Energy Lifeline: A Tour of Williston Basin's Midstream Infrastructure
The Williston Basin, which spans parts of North Dakota, Montana, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, is a major oil-producing region in North America. In order to transport crude oil and natural gas from the wells to refineries and other destinations, a vast pipeline infrastructure has been built in the area. The pipeline infrastructure in the Williston Basin consists of a network of pipelines that connect production sites to processing facilities, storage tanks, and major pipeline hubs
Chord Energy Corp. Expands Williston Basin Footprint with $375 Million Acquisition from Exxon Mobil
Chord Energy Corp.'s subsidiary has entered into an agreement to purchase assets in the Williston Basin from Exxon Mobil, and its affiliates for $375 million. Chord Energy, a US independent company, is strategically expanding its presence in the Williston Basin of Montana and the Dakotas. While industry attention remains fixated on the Permian Basin, Chord Energy recognizes the potential of the Williston Basin and is capitalizing on the opportunity to enhance its reserve portfolio. Chord Energy successfully completed the acquisition of 62,000 acres in the Williston Basin from XTO Energy for a substantial cash consideration of $375 million.
In Wyoming during 2023, the oil and gas industry experienced various trends and developments. Wyoming ranked 8th nationally in both crude oil and natural gas production, significantly contributing to the economy through property and severance taxes. The state had a peak of 27,951 producing wells in 2022, including oil and gas wells, with 33 operating gas plants processing nearly 97% of the state's gas production. Notably, 21 of Wyoming's 23 counties produce oil and/or natural gas, with Converse County leading in crude oil production and Sublette County in natural gas production. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted that crude oil production across the United States would increase to 12.8 million b/d in 2024. Throughout 2023, oil production in Wyoming showed an upward trend, with more than 95 million barrels expected to be produced, an increase of about 3 million barrels from 2022. This rise in oil production was partly attributed to the completion of 110 newly drilled oil wells in the first half of the year, mainly in the Powder River Basin. However, natural gas production faced a decline due to the aging of wells and a low number of new gas wells being completed. Only 18 new gas wells were finished in the first half of 2023, with a noted interest in drilling applications, suggesting potential future developments.
XCL Resources is seeking approval from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for its proposed acquisition of Altamont Energy LLC, another Utah-based oil producer. This initiative is backed by XCL's parent entity, EnCap Investments LP, a notable private equity firm. Discussions about purchasing Colorado-based Altamont Energy began in the previous summer, as highlighted in FTC documentation.
Tallgrass Energy has started a new open season for the Pony Express Pipeline, and this is the second time they're doing it in 2024. They're looking for companies that want to move their crude oil from the Williston Basin and are offering special rates as an incentive. This 30-day event kicked off on March 11. To get the full details, companies need to sign a confidentiality agreement with Tallgrass.