Santos and Woodside: In a move that could reshape the landscape of Australia’s energy sector, Santos Ltd and Woodside are in preliminary talks about a potential merger, creating a major oil and gas company with a diverse portfolio of assets. While Santos shares initially surged on the news, investors are approaching the prospect cautiously, considering the potential competition and valuation challenges associated with such a deal.
Woodside and Santos confirmed the ongoing discussions, triggering a surge in Santos shares by nearly 11% in early trade, reaching their highest level in five weeks. However, as the day progressed, gains were pared down to 6%, indicating investor caution. Woodside also experienced early losses but managed to recover, ending down 0.5%.
Both companies have faced challenges in navigating the global energy share market boom, primarily due to struggles in securing environmental approvals for significant growth projects. The proposed merger, if successful, could provide the scale necessary to fund a prolonged energy transition and potentially unlock approximately $200 million in cost savings, according to UBS analysts.
Investors and analysts are carefully monitoring the situation, considering various factors such as bid pricing, competition concerns, and the potential impact on Australia’s domestic gas market. Tim Buckley, a director at the think tank Climate Energy Finance, views the consolidation move as a response to ongoing underperformance rather than strength.
Also Read: Australian Energy Giants Woodside and Santos Are Considering a Massive $52 Billion Merger
Matthew Haupt, a portfolio manager at long-time Santos shareholder Wilson Asset Management, highlighted the importance of a compelling offer from Woodside, emphasizing the need for a sufficient premium to satisfy disappointed Santos shareholders. UBS analysts modeled an implied bid price for Santos, with uncertainty prevailing about the deal’s structure.
The prospect of a Woodside takeover of Santos raises concerns about creating a dominant player in Australia’s domestic gas market, prompting close scrutiny from competition regulators. Analysts suggest that selective divestments, such as Santos’ Varanus Island and Cooper Basin assets, could address regulatory concerns.
However, challenges may arise in reaching an agreement on the price for mature assets in a market with limited interested mid-sized players. The potential impact on local gas prices is also a focal point for regulators, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission indicating its readiness to conduct a public merger review if the deal progresses.
As talks between Santos and Woodside progress, the potential merger represents a significant development in Australia’s energy landscape. The outcome could shape the future of the country’s oil and gas industry, marking a consolidation of major players. Investors, regulators, and industry observers will closely follow developments, assessing the impact on competition, market dynamics, and the broader energy sector. The complexity of such deals underscores the importance of careful consideration and strategic decision-making in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
What happened to Woodside Petroleum?
On June 1, 2022, Woodside and BHP Petroleum joined forces to form a powerful independent energy company. This merger has resulted in a global entity that boasts impressive scale, diversity, and resilience. The new company is well-equipped to create value for shareholders and navigate the ever-evolving energy landscape.
It appears that Woodside Energy Group is not a significant investment for hedge funds. The largest shareholder, holding 5.1% of shares outstanding, is currently BlackRock, Inc.
Who is the CEO of Woodside?
On August 17th, 2021, Meg O’Neill took on the role of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to this, Meg served as Chief Operations Officer at Woodside since May 2018. Her impressive background includes holding senior positions at ExxonMobil, where she led production and development efforts in various regions and served as a country leader in Norway and Canada.
Why did BHP sell to Woodside?
According to BHP CEO Mike Henry, the combination of our petroleum assets with Woodside will result in a powerful global energy company that can contribute to the energy requirements of a rapidly decarbonizing world. This merger offers a unique opportunity to support global growth and development while also addressing the challenges of climate change.