Noble-Maersk Merger to Create Offshore Rig Giant

摘要

Offshore rig owner Noble Corp. has agreed to merge with rival Maersk Drilling in an all-stock deal that will create one of the world’s largest rig contractors, furthering consolidation in a sector that looks poised for growth in the coming years. The combined company, which will retain the Noble name and be based in Houston, would have an estimated enterprise value of around $3.4 billion, with investors of each individual company owning about half the outstanding shares. The deal comes as the beleaguered offshore drilling sector looks poised for a long-awaited rebound in demand, as EP companies return to the drill bit in search of fresh resources after years of underinvestment and ahead of what is shaping up to be a surge in global oil and natural gas demand.