Patterson-UTI Energy and NexTier Oilfield Solutions agreed to merge in an all-stock deal to create a $5.4 billion oilfield services firm.
The merger brings together Patterson-UTI’s sizeable land drilling business and NexTier’s well-completion operations.
Analysts said the combined entity’s 3.3 million hydraulic fracturing horsepower would make it the largest pressure pumper by capacity in North America, slightly bigger than Halliburton.
NexTier shareholders will receive 0.752 shares of Patterson-UTI common stock for each share of NexTier common stock they own. Patterson-UTI shares rose about 12%, while NexTier was up 6%.
Oilfield services firms have been consolidating as they navigate operational and pricing challenges and cater to customers who have cut spending on new wells in favor of investor returns.
Prices for onshore U.S. drilling and completion services have decreased by almost 5% since the beginning of the year until the second quarter of 2023, according to Rystad Energy analysts.
Demand for oilfield services in the U.S. softened due to lower drilling activity, primarily driven by lower natural gas prices at the beginning of the year, Patterson-UTI Chief Executive Andy Hendricks told Reuters. He anticipates demand to pick up later this year and going into the next year.
Evercore analysts said larger North American oilfield services companies will be more efficient at delivering integrated well site solutions at scale to a more consolidated exploration and production (E&P) customer base.
After the deal closes, expected in the fourth quarter of 2023, Patterson-UTI shareholders will own about 55% and NexTier shareholders will own the rest of the combined company.
Hendricks will serve as the president and CEO of the combined firm.
The deal is expected to boost earnings per share and free cash flow per share in 2024 and generate annual savings of about $200 million within 18 months of closing.
The merger will likely also lead to some streamlining.
“It’s too early to say anything about potential layoffs because we could be increasing activity by the time we’re closing the deal,” Hendricks said.
Source: Reuters.com