While depressed natural gas prices in the US are creating significant difficulties for pure-play natural gas producers, larger and more diversified players are raising their stakes in shale gas plays.
Driven by a long-term view of the natural gas market and drawing on their experience in other business segments, the large players are exploring innovative business models to create more sustainable natural gas operations in the shales. The challenging current environment for pure-play producers also offers opportunities for large natural gas consumers and midstream players to pursue strategic partnerships or equity positions upstream in the value chain at favorable terms.
