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Illinois-based Consolidated Communications was advised by Latham & Watkins on the deal. Searchlight Capital Partners already held 34 percent of Consolidated's common stock and all of its Series A perpetual preferred. Claire Poole has details.
Energy is still king in Texas M&A, despite the diversification of the Texas economy and the rise of technology and manufacturing and infrastructure. ExxonMobil's decision to buy Pioneer Natural Resources for $59.5 billion is exhibit A. Still, energy deals have been fading in recent years as a share of the overall M&A market: from a 42 percent share of the overall Texas deal count in 2020 to only 32 percent this year, according to The Lawbook's exclusive Corporate Deal Tracker. But while capital markets have retreated from investment in hydrocarbon development, energy transition is gaining traction in a way that is transforming Texas energy M&A. And even traditional oil and gas is beginning to reap the benefit.
Carbon capture, utilization and sequestration activity is a key tool in combatting climate change, with significant growth in CCUS being required to reach net zero emissions, and Texas is a potential CCUS hotspot. However, regulatory action in Texas will be required for CCUS to meet its full potential.
In a deal three times larger than any previous Texas M&A transaction this year, ExxonMobil is purchasing Pioneer Natural Resources in an all-stock acquisition. Pioneer GC Mark Kleinman turned to Gibson Dunn partners Jeff Chapman and Tull Florey and Goldman Sachs’ Suhail Sikhtian as his lead outside legal and financial advisors. ExxonMobil turned to Davis Polk partner Louis Goldberg and Citi as its advisors. Texas Lawbook deal writer Claire Poole has the details.
Refinitiv's numbers are out, and they tell us what we already know: M&A is down worldwide, marking the slowest nine months since 2013. But there's good news, and the Roundup has it — along with the weekly list of deals and the lawyers who advised them.
Sidley counseled National Western, the second time in the last three years that the firm has assisted with sale of a publicly traded insurance company associated with the Moody family.
Skadden's Eric Otness co-led the team advising the Chicago-based target, which manages 2 million parking spaces, and Sidley's Bill Howell counseled the buyer's investor Eldridge.
Environmental, social and governance considerations play an increasingly important role in M&A transactions. In any given deal, however, it can be challenging to qualitatively and quantitatively assess relevant ESG factors, perform appropriate levels of ESG due diligence and plan for appropriate remedial steps or capture ESG opportunities post-closing. M&A acquirers should seek experienced guidance on these considerations to enhance value, mitigate risks and better incorporate financial and non-financial measures into their deal evaluations.
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