On July 8, 2024, Devon Energy Corp declared the takeover of Grayson Mill Energy‘s Williston Basin business. A landmark deal valued around $5 billion, this mirrors the ongoing consolidation patterns in the oil and gas industry.
Through this acquisition, Devon enlarges its operational sphere by gaining extensive access to the fertile reserves of the Williston Basin, which is likely to augment its production capacities and enhance its asset base significantly.
The deal also underscores the high potential of the bought businesses and their vital role in Devon Energy Corp’s strategic growth. With acquisitions being a common trend in the oil and gas field currently, this transaction is deemed significant for both industry growth and resource optimization.
The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2024, awaiting regulatory approval.
Following this acquisition, Devon Energy gains a whopping 307,000 net acres from the Williston Basin, bolstering the company’s potential for exploration and production activities. This substantially extends the company’s geographic footprint into the upper Midwest and Canada, strengthening its position in the North American energy landscape.
This enormous addition could result in increased yields from these territories, which could notably influence Devon’s future financial performance.
As part of the payment for this deal, Houston-based oil and gas exploration company Grayson Mill Energy will receive $3.25 billion in cash and $1.75 billion in stocks. Seemingly transitioning away from the sector, Grayson Mill has recently conducted some asset sales, suggesting a strategic shift after four years of financial support from EnCap Investments.
In accordance with this shift, several EnCap-backed firms, including XCL Resources and Northern Oil and Gas, have conducted asset sales.
Devon Energy’s $5 billion Williston acquisition
EnCap continues adapting its investment strategies to cater to the dynamic trends in the energy sector.
Post-acquisition, Devon Energy aims to maintain daily production of about 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent on these properties in the coming year. They hope for a smooth integration of new assets, contributing positively to Devon’s financial performance. All relevant regulatory bodies have been informed and are reviewing acquisition details.
Regarding financial strategies, the acquisition is expected to prompt Devon to raise its buyback authorization by 67%, amounting to $5 billion until mid-2026. It also expects a rise in dividend distributions from the following year. Notwithstanding this, the announcement resulted in a 2.5% decline in Devon’s shares the next day.
