Diversified Energy Company PLC (DEC Quick QuoteDEC - Free Report) recently completed its previously announced acquisition of Maverick Natural Resources, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy. This move strengthens the company’s position in natural gas and liquids production while highlighting its commitment to operational growth and sustainability.

An Insight Into the Acquisition Agreement

On Jan. 27, 2025, Diversified Energy announced the acquisition of Maverick Natural Resources, a private-equity-owned energy firm, for $1.3 billion, including Maverick’s $700 million debt. This acquisition marked Diversified’s entry into the Permian Basin, a prolific U.S. oil-producing region. The deal will potentially increase the combined company’s total production to 59,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with a mix of 34% oil, 22% natural gas liquids and 44% natural gas. Post-acquisition, EIG Global Energy Partners, Maverick’s former owner, will hold a 20% stake in the combined entity and also has the right to appoint new board members. This expansion agreement will strengthen Diversified Energy’s portfolio beyond its core Appalachian and Central Basin operations.

Issue of Shares and Market Listing

To facilitate the acquisition and following the approval of the shareholders, Diversified Energy has issued 21,194,213 new ordinary shares, which will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange. These consideration shares will rank pari passu with the existing shares and are expected to be officially admitted to trading on March 17, 2025. The total number of company shares in issue now stands at 80,990,155,with each ordinary share carrying the right to one vote, reflecting the company’s growing market presence.

Strengthened Leadership With New COO Appointment

As part of the acquisition deal, Rick Gideon, the former CEO of Maverick Natural Resources, will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Diversified Energy, effective March 18, 2025. This leadership transition aligns with the company’s strategic vision and enhances its operational capabilities.

DEC’s Zacks Rank and Key Picks

Birmingham-based Diversified Energy is an energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing and well retirement. Currently, DEC has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some top-ranked stocks like Delek Logistics Partners, LP (DKL Quick QuoteDKL - Free Report) , Archrock, Inc. (AROC Quick QuoteAROC - Free Report) and Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ Quick QuoteCNQ - Free Report) .While Delek Logistics and Archrock currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each, Canadian Natural carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Delek Logistics Partners owns, operates, acquires and constructs crude oil and refined products logistics and marketing assets. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DKL’s 2025 earnings indicates 34.45% year-over-year growth.

Houston-based Archrock is a provider of natural gas contract compression services as well as a supplier of aftermarket services for compression equipment. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AROC’s 2025 earnings indicates 46.67% year-over-year growth.

Calgary-based Canadian Natural Resources is one of the largest independent energy companies in Canada engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CNQ’s 2025 earnings indicates 5.53% year-over-year growth.