Devon-Coterra Merger Finalizes; Exxon Faces Shareholder Vote on Texas Move

Devon Energy Corporation and Coterra Energy Inc. have completed their $58 billion merger, creating a new large-cap shale operator, according to a statement from Devon. The deal, approved by stockholders on May 4, was finalized on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Rigzone reported.

The combined company will operate as Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN) and be headquartered in Houston while maintaining a significant presence in Oklahoma City. Under the merger agreement, each Coterra share was converted into the right to receive 0.70 shares of Devon common stock. Former Devon shareholders will own approximately 54% of the combined company, with former Coterra shareholders owning approximately 46%.

Clay M. Gaspar will serve as President and CEO of the combined entity. The new board of directors will consist of 11 members: six from Devon and five from Coterra. In a statement, Gaspar called the merger "a defining moment for Devon Energy," creating a company with "scale, inventory depth and financial strength to deliver differentiated returns for shareholders through any commodity cycle." The company's asset base is anchored by a leading position in the Delaware Basin.

Separately, ExxonMobil faces a shareholder vote on May 27 regarding its proposed redomicile from New Jersey to Texas, Rigzone reported. New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine, a trustee for city pension funds including the New York City Police Pension Fund, is urging shareholders to vote against the move.

In a letter to shareholders, Levine argued the redomicile and a related retail voting program "both appear designed to insulate Exxon's Board from accountability to shareholders." ExxonMobil announced the plan on March 10, stating Texas offers "an enabling environment for the oil and gas industry" and provides greater legal certainty.

ExxonMobil stated the move "will not affect business operations, management, strategy, assets or employee locations." The company emphasized that Texas has been its operational center for 35 years, with global headquarters there since 1989 and approximately 75% of its U.S.-based employees working in the state. The board unanimously approved the address change.

For Bakken operators and North Dakota's energy sector, these developments highlight continued consolidation and corporate realignment within the industry. The creation of a larger, financially stronger Devon, while not directly altering Bakken assets, represents a further concentration of shale operator power that could influence investment and operational strategies across all major basins. The debate surrounding ExxonMobil's legal domicile underscores ongoing tensions between corporate governance and the strategic alignment of major energy firms with states perceived as more industry-friendly.