Comprehensive Energy Data Intelligence
Information About Energy Companies, Their Assets, Market Deals, Industry Documents and More...
Ensign’s Assets Are Acquired by Marathon for $3 Billion
01/05/2023
Marathon Oil Corp. closes the acquisition of Ensign Natural Resources’ Eagle Ford assets for $3 billion cash, according to the company’s release on December 27.
The purchase includes 130,000 net acres (99% operated, 97% working interest) in acreage adjacent to Marathon Oil’s existing Eagle Ford position. Ensign’s estimated fourth-quarter production will average 67,000 net boe/d, including 22,000 net bbl/d of oil.
According to Marathon’s release, this acquisition complies with every element of its disciplined acquisition criteria. It is accretive to the key financial metrics, it is driving higher shareholder distributions consistent with the operating cash flow driven Return of Capital framework, it is accretive to its inventory life with attractive locations that immediately compete for capital and it offers truly compelling industrial logic given the existing Eagle Ford footprint and its track record of execution excellence in the play.
The acquisition was announced on November 2, following Devon Energy Corp.’s purchase of Validus Energy for $1.8 billion. Those deals and the impending sale of Chesapeake Energy Corp.’s Eagle Ford assets put the mature shale play back into the spotlight after years in which the Permian Basin has taken center stage for M&A.
Analysts and dealmakers admit the Eagle Ford appears to be an area of focus for companies seeking to add inventory, while the others are getting out. Chesapeake, with its pivot to natural gas, which has been marketing its Eagle Ford position, is anticipated commanding $4.6 billion to $5.9 billion in value. Other companies, such as BlackBrush Oil & Gas LLC, GulfTex Energy LLC, and 1776 Energy Operators LLC also have the potential to lure buyers.
The acquired assets from Ensign span Live Oak, Bee, Karnes, and Dewitt Counties across the condensate, wet gas, and dry gas phase windows of the Eagle Ford.
Marathon Oil can deliver maintenance-level production from the acquired asset of 67 net boe/d (22 net bbl/d of oil) with almost one rig and 35 to 40 wells to sales a year.
The company's estimation of the asset does not include any assumptions for synergies or upside redevelopment opportunities.
Based in Houston, Ensign was formed in 2017 in partnership with Warburg Pincus, a global growth investor. The company secured an equity commitment from the Kayne Private Energy Income Funds platform in 2019 as part of an acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources Co.’s Eagle Ford assets.
Marathon Oil is an independent exploration and production (E&P) company based in Houston, which is focused on the most significant oil-rich resource plays in the U.S. — the Eagle Ford in Texas, Permian in New Mexico, STACK and SCOOP in Oklahoma, and the Bakken in North Dakota.
If you are looking for more information about energy companies, their assets, and energy deals, please, contact our sales office mapping@hartenergy.com, Tel. 619-349-4970 or SCHEDULE A DEMO to learn how Rextag can help you leverage energy data for your business.
Williams Buys MountainWest Pipeline System for $1.5 Billion
On December 15, Pipeline giant Williams made a deal to purchase MountainWest Pipelines Holding Co. from Southwest Gas Holdings Inc. for almost $1.5 billion including debt. Williams is paying $1.07 billion in cash and assuming $0.43 billion of debt to buy MountainWest, which comprises approximately 2,000 miles of interstate natural gas pipeline systems mainly situated across Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.
$3 Billion Deal, Marathon Oil Buys Ensign Natural Resources
A $3.0 billion cash definitive agreement to purchase the Eagle Ford assets of Ensign Natural Resources has been concluded by Marathon Oil Corporation on November 2.
Rangeland Energy has agreed to sell Rangeland Midstream Canada to Kingston Midstream Alberta and remains committed to future Canadian midstream investments. Texas-based Rangeland Energy, supported by financial partner EnCap Flatrock Midstream, has inked a deal to sell its Canadian subsidiary, Rangeland Midstream Canada Ltd., to Calgary's Kingston Midstream Alberta Ltd. for cash.
The merger between ONEOK and Magellan received approval from Magellan shareholders, securing just 55% of the total votes at Magellan’s meeting on Sept. 21. ONEOK Inc. has successfully concluded the acquisition of Magellan Midstream Partners LP on Sept. 25. The deal will bring together their respective assets and expertise, resulting in a powerful entity boasting an extensive network of approximately 25,000 miles of pipelines primarily focused on transporting liquids.
Viper Energy's deal, comprised of cash and equity, secures an additional 2,800 net royalty acres in the Midland Basin and 1,800 in the Delaware Basin. Viper Energy Partners LP, a Diamondback Energy Inc. subsidiary, has inked a deal to acquire mineral and royalty interests in the Permian Basin. The deal, valued at around $1 billion, is with Warwick Capital Partners and GRP Energy Capital. Viper was established by Diamondback with the purpose of owning, purchasing, and capitalizing on oil and natural gas assets in North America, specifically targeting mineral and royalty interests.