The U.S. Justice Department is seeking to block the merger of Baker Hughes and Halliburton, preventing the tie-up of the second and third largest oilfield services companies.
DOJ filed a lawsuit against the proposed merger, which presents a major roadblock to the $35 billion merger. The lawsuit hinges on antitrust grounds, as the combined company would control too much of the oilfield services market.
Halliburton pursued the takeover because it would streamline their businesses, lowering costs for its clients, which are exploration and production companies. But antitrust regulators are concerned about too much market power. Related: How The Ocean Can Help Predict Electricity Prices
The lawsuit could derail the tie-up. Halliburton and Baker Hughes could fight the Justice Department, hoping to win in court, or they could call off the merger. On Tuesday, Baker Hughes’ share price dropped 5.1 percent on the news, while Halliburton’s stock rose 1.2 percent. Baker Hughes’ shareholders would still benefit if the deal falls apart – Halliburton would be required to pay them a $3.5 billion breakup fee.
The Justice Department hinted at its opposition to the deal in a separate court filing, in which it said that the merger “threatens to substantially lessen completion in numerous markets.” Related: Oil Sanctions Risk Pushing An Unstable North Korea Over The Edge
Bloomberg reports that if the deal collapses, the two companies could turn their sights on other smaller players as takeover targets. "We view BHI as well positioned to make an acquisition and a fallout of the HAL merger could, in our opinion, spur industrywide consolidation," Matt Marietta, analyst at Stephens Inc., wrote in a recent research note.
The Halliburton-Baker Hughes tie-up also faces regulatory scrutiny around the world. The European Commission halted its review of the purchase for the third time. Antitrust regulators in Australia have also raised concerns. Related: Why Oil Prices Will Rise And Many Pundits Will Be Caught By Surprise
Oil producers are not happy with the merger either. Total’s CEO said in March that the merger would not be beneficial to exploration companies. Chevron’s unit in Brazil said that the merger would leave them with fewer oilfield service options, which could raise costs.
The news that the Department of Justice is intervening to block the merger comes as the Obama administration published new rules on inversions, a type of acquisition that companies have used to lower their U.S. tax bills. That led to the end of Pfizer’s $150 billion takeover of Allergan.
By Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com
ADVERTISEMENT
More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
- Oil Speculators Run Out Of Reasons To Bet On Rising Prices
- $120 Oil As Soon As 2018?
- Advantage U.S. In The Global Petroleum Showdown?
