ExxonMobil Reportedly Exploring Acquisitions, Including Woodside
Early-stage internal discussions at the oil major could signal a renewed focus on portfolio growth, with potential implications for M&A activity in the Bakken.
ExxonMobil Corp. has been holding early-stage internal discussions about potential acquisitions, including a deal for Australia's Woodside Energy Group Ltd., according to a report from Rigzone.
The discussions were reported by people with knowledge of the matter, Rigzone stated in an article published on June 13, 2026. The report did not specify if any formal negotiations are underway.
For operators in North Dakota's Bakken formation, any major acquisition move by a supermajor like ExxonMobil is closely watched. Large-scale consolidation among the largest players can alter the competitive landscape and influence strategic decisions across the basin.
ExxonMobil is a significant operator in the Williston Basin through its subsidiary XTO Energy. A major acquisition could potentially redirect capital or strategic focus, though the reported discussions are in very preliminary stages.
The broader oil and gas industry has seen a wave of consolidation in recent years, driven by a desire to secure prime drilling inventory and achieve scale efficiencies. The Bakken has been a focal point for such activity, with several notable mergers and acquisitions among operators.
If ExxonMobil were to pursue a large deal like Woodside, which has global liquefied natural gas (LNG) and deepwater assets, it might signal a strategic priority outside of U.S. onshore shale. However, the company has also consistently pointed to its high-quality Permian Basin and Guyana assets as its primary growth engines.
For other Bakken operators, continued interest from majors in growth through acquisition maintains the potential for asset deals or corporate mergers in the region. It also underscores the ongoing value placed on tier-one shale assets within larger corporate portfolios.
The report from Rigzone provides no indication of a timeline or likelihood for a deal involving Woodside or any other target. Market observers typically view such early internal deliberations as exploratory in nature.
Source
Rigzone reported on June 13, 2026, that ExxonMobil has been holding early-stage internal discussions about potential acquisitions, including Woodside.
