Houston-based Frank’s International NV agreed Thursday to combine in an all-stock transaction with the UK’s Expro Group, a tie-up that would bring together well experts ready to tackle what they see as growing opportunities.

frank international

Expro, which would own 65% of the combined entity, is a privately held well access and flow optimization expert that employs 4,000 people and which works in 50 countries. Frank’s, a drilling and completions pro, has 2,400 employees, and it works in about 40 countries. 

Both operators work in the offshore and onshore.

“This transaction unites two established industry players to create a leading service provider with an extensive portfolio of capabilities across the well lifecycle,” said Expro CEO Mike Jardon, who would lead the...