Exploration & Production

2020 M&A Outlook: Analyzing Permian Basin Consolidation

Analysts with Bernstein Research identified WPX Energy, Occidental Petroleum and Battalion Oil as top acquisition targets in the Permian Basin.

Susan

Klann

Contributor

Thu, 03/12/2020 - 05:00 PM

2020 M&A Outlook: Analyzing Permian Basin Consolidation

(Source: Hart Energy; Shutterstock.com)

At the height of the U.S. shale boom, buying almost anything Permian-related seemed like a good investment. As the boom slowed, the Permian Basin retained a star rating. But today even the Permian requires a focused approach—how can investors play it today?

Overall, the outlook for M&A in the Permian Basin has shifted, according to a recent report from Bernstein Research updating the firm’s thoughts on deal making opportunities in the basin.

In the past, the Bernstein analysts, led by Bob Brackett, suggested that small- to mid-cap Permian M&A “was a tough way to win,” and the large-cap theme was preferable.

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Susan Klann

Susan Klann has more than 30 years of publishing experience, with more than half of those spent in oil and gas publishing with Hart Energy, most recently as group managing editor of Oil and Gas Investor.

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