NEW YORK: Pipeline operator ONEOK says it would buy the remaining shares of peer EnLink Midstream for US$4.3bil in an all-stock deal, boosting its presence in the Permian Basin amid increased consolidation in the US energy sector.

In August, ONEOK acquired a 43% controlling interest in Enlink, which has a solid presence in the Permian Basin, from Global Infrastructure Partners for about US$3.3bil in cash.

ONEOK said it will offer 0.1412 shares of its common stock for each EnLink unit.

The deal values Enlink at about US$7.6bil, while the stake purchase would be at a premium of about 5% to EnLink’s last Friday close, according to Reuters calculations based on EnLink’s and ONEOK’s last close.

The US pipeline and storage sector is seen as ripe for deals following increased consolidation among oil and gas producers, as well as hurdles in getting new energy infrastructure approved and built.

Earlier in the month, another pipeline operator, DT Midstream, agreed to acquire three natural gas transmission pipelines from ONEOK for US$1.2bil in cash, to boost its presence in the Midwest market. 

 - Reuters