The purchase of Pioneer Natural Resources by ExxonMobille, one of the leading producers of shale oil and gas in the United States, is valued at around $60 billion. Scheduled to close in the first half of 2024, the deal marks a major turning point for ExxonMobil, giving it a new position of strength in the Permian Basin, a strategic oil-producing region stretching across western Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
A historic merger
This is the largest acquisition for ExxonMobil since its merger with Mobil in 1999. The transaction will be all-equity, with a purchase price of $59.5 billion, based on ExxonMobil’s closing price on October 5. Including debt, the total value of the transaction is estimated at around $64.5 billion, according to information provided by the two companies.
Economic context
In 2022, ExxonMobil posted a record net profit of $55.7 billion, mainly due to the rise in hydrocarbon prices caused by the recovery in global demand and tensions over Russian oil supply. This strong financial performance left ExxonMobil with considerable liquidity, enabling it to complete this major transaction.
Dallas, Texas-based Pioneer Natural Resources, founded in 1997, employs over 2,000 people, according to its website. In 2022, the company posted net earnings of $7.8 billion, with sales of $24.29 billion.
Future implications
The merger between ExxonMobil and Pioneer Natural Resources could reshape the landscape of the US oil and gas industry. This acquisition will enable ExxonMobil to strengthen its position in the energy sector, particularly in shale, which continues to drive hydrocarbon production in the United States. However, it will also raise questions about the concentration of power in the energy sector and its impact on environmental sustainability.
In short, the merger between ExxonMobil and Pioneer Natural Resources represents a major operation in the American oil and gas industry. It marks a significant turning point for ExxonMobil, which consolidates its position in the energy sector with this acquisition. This operation has far-reaching implications for the future of the energy industry, and is sure to spark debate on its environmental and economic impact. Stay tuned for the latest developments in this merger.
