The value of mergers and acquisitions in U.S. shale fell by 65% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to a year earlier. Now, interest in acquisitions appears to be growing for both private equity firms and shale drillers as they look to take advantage of high prices. Recent acquisitions are designed to increase value for the shareholder, with companies buying mature wells to refrac rather than more expensive options. U.S. shale oil producers have been in Washington’s sights for several months now, refusing to produce as much oil as legislators and the White House want them to. They have also been attacked for reaping fatter profits from higher oil prices. And now they may be starting to consolidate again. Last month, Energy analytics provider Enverus reported that the value of mergers and acquisitions in the U.S. shale industry fell to $12 billion in the year’s second quarter. This […]