Permian M&A faces challenges
Expectations of a post-Anadarko flurry of merger and acquisition activity in the prolific shale basin may be wide of the mark
The hottest question in US energy M&A is whether the bidding war between Chevron and Occidental Petroleum for independent producer Anadarko Petroleum was a one-time event, specific to the assets and ambitions of the three players involved, or whether it will kickstart a flurry of Permian Basin-focused deal-making. US independent Occidental trumped Chevron, which had agreed to buy Anadarko for $65/share — a 39pc premium on Anadarko's last closing price prior to the announcement — laying out $33bn plus the assumption of $17bn of debt, for a total cost of $50bn. Occidental, with a little help from billionaire investor Warren Buffett, upped the price to $38bn, leading Chevron to abandon the
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.






