Chevron, the U.S. energy giant, said Monday that it had agreed to acquire Hess, a medium-sized rival, in an all-stock deal valued at $53 billion.
The deal marks a further consolidation of the energy industry, especially in the United States, where smaller companies appear to be taking advantage of relatively high oil prices to join forces with bigger players. The transaction follows Exxon Mobil’s $60 billion purchase of shale driller Pioneer Natural Resources earlier this month, another sign of confidence among large industry players in the future of fossil fuels even as policymakers promote cleaner energy sources.
In a news release, Chevron said the acquisition would diversify its portfolio. Hess would add about 10 percent to Chevron’s overall oil and gas production of about 3 million barrels a day.
Mike Wirth, Chevron’s chairman and chief executive, said in a statement that the deal enhances the company’s operations “by adding world-class assets.”
Hess has a strong position in Guyana, where major oil discoveries have been made in recent years and where Chevron’s rival, Exxon, is the key operator. Hess is also a leader in the Bakken shale area of North Dakota.
John Hess, the chief executive of Hess, is expected to join Chevron’s board.
