Analysts are puzzled as to the attraction of Hurricane in the current UKCS M&A environment
The curious case of the Hurricane bid
UKCS producer’s pared-back portfolio appears to tick few boxes
The board of Hurricane Energy, the North Sea upstream firm that aimed to exploit the potential of fractured basement reservoirs, has rejected a 7.7p/share bid for its entire issued share capital but has launched a formal sales process to try to attract a hungrier suitor. Analysts, though, are puzzled as to the attraction of Hurricane in the current UK continental shelf (UKCS) M&A environment. Hurricane argues it is in “a very strong financial and operational position” and that the offer, at a premium of only 13pc above its 6.8p/share 1 November closing price, undervalues the firm. It is debt free, its decommissioning liabilities are fully funded and forecast year-end net free cash is c.$
Also in this section
28 January 2026
The alliance looks to bolster market management credibility by bringing greater clarity and unity to output cuts and producer capacity later in 2026
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
