The upstream oil and gas sector is witnessing an unprecedented level of consolidation, with merger and acquisition (M&A) activity reaching new heights. In a race to secure market longevity, exploration and production companies have ramped up their M&A efforts, culminating in a record $144 billion in deals in the fourth quarter and a total of $190 billion for 2023. This trend marks a historic moment in the industry, reminiscent of the consolidation wave that led to the formation of modern supermajors in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Enverus, an analytics firm, highlighted this seismic shift in the oil and gas landscape. Senior Vice President Andrew Dittmar emphasized the strategic shift towards M&A as a means to replace declining reserves and ensure long-term viability in profitable upstream operations. With the major US shale plays largely mapped out, acquiring existing assets has become the method of choice over new exploration investments.
Key players like Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and Occidental Petroleum have spearheaded this consolidation trend with significant bids in the fourth quarter. Interestingly, the focus of M&A activity has largely been on oil, amounting to $186 billion in deals, while gas-related transactions were comparatively modest at $6 billion. However, with the US industry ramping up its liquefied natural gas exports, interest in gas-focused deals is expected to grow.
The Permian Basin, straddling Texas and New Mexico, has been a hotbed for these transactions. Companies are increasingly willing to pay premium prices to expand their operations in this crucial shale area, driving the cost of future drilling inventories to new highs.
Looking ahead, the M&A frenzy is likely to slow down, as the pool of attractive acquisition targets diminishes. However, the deal-making isn’t expected to stop entirely, with eyes on potential acquisitions like the privately-held Endeavor Energy Resources.
On a broader scale, the US oil and gas industry has experienced a stellar year. The United States has emerged as the largest crude producer in history, with natural gas production also hitting record levels. This boom in US production has been crucial in counterbalancing output reductions from OPEC+, aiding in efforts to stabilize crude prices.
For investors and entrepreneurs in the energy sector, this wave of consolidations signals a strategic shift in the industry. It reflects the sector’s adaptation to changing market dynamics and the evolving landscape of energy resources. As the industry continues to navigate these transformations, staying abreast of M&A trends and understanding their implications on market structures and competition will be key to informed investment and business decisions.