Southwestern, Chesapeake Near $17 Billion Merger.

Southwestern Energy and Chesapeake Energy are close to finalizing a merger that would create a $17 billion company, making it one of the largest natural-gas producers in the U.S. The deal could be completed as early as next week. Chesapeake, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020, has been focused on reducing debt and solidifying its position in the Haynesville Shale. A merger with Southwestern would strengthen Chesapeake's existing positions in the U.S. Northeast and Louisiana and support its strategy of exporting liquefied natural gas from the Gulf Coast. [Extracted from the article]