Gunvor Eyes $1.2B+ Deal for Haynesville Shale Assets

Commodities trader Gunvor is in talks to buy U.S. natural gas-producing assets from private energy firm Silver Hill Energy Partners for between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion.

The potential acquisition would expand efforts by Gunvor to build an integrated shale gas production and marketing business, according to four sources who spoke with Reuters on Tuesday.

The Silver Hill assets are spread across the Haynesville shale basin of Texas and Louisiana, and if acquired, would be Gunvor's second deal in the Haynesville basin this year. The company had earlier provided capital to support Western Natural's approximately $300 million purchase of Haynesville gas-producing assets.

The Haynesville basin has been attractive to investors seeking exposure to U.S. liquefied natural gas exports, due to its high production and proximity to existing and upcoming LNG terminals.