Titans

In a major speech Thursday directed at Wall Street, President Obama called on the titans of industry to “join us” in supporting sweeping reform of the financial regulatory system, and he urged industry lobbyists to put a stop to their “furious” attempts to shape the legislation to their special interests.

Both private and public sector energy titans were singled out for criticism and scrutiny by California state officials Tuesday, adding to the legal and political moves that have become increasing intertwined as summer approaches, patience wears thin and easy solutions seem more distant.

Two oil field service titans joined forces last week to create anew seismic oil and gas exploration business, a move that analystssay will reshape the seismic industry. Baker Hughes andSchlumberger have signed a memorandum of understanding under whichSchlumberger’s surface seismic business Geco-Prakla and BakerHughes’ seismic unit Western Geophysical would become Western GECO.

Two oil field service titans joined forces yesterday to create anew seismic oil and gas exploration business, a move that analystssay will reshape the seismic industry. Baker Hughes andSchlumberger have signed a memorandum of understanding under whichSchlumberger’s surface seismic business Geco-Prakla and BakerHughes’ seismic unit Western Geophysical would become Western GECO.

The best laid plans of energy titans can often go astray,particularly where mergers are concerned. ExxonMobil tossed awrench into the BP Amoco-ARCO merger works by suing for apreliminary injunction against the merger partners and PhillipsPetroleum. Phillips has agreed to buy ARCO’s Alaskan holdings forabout $7 billion in a deal intended to win Federal Trade Commissionapproval of the merger (see NGI March 20).

The best laid plans of energy titans can often go astray,particularly where mergers are concerned. ExxonMobil tossed a wrenchinto the BP Amoco-ARCO merger works by suing for a preliminaryinjunction against the merger partners and PhillipsPetroleum. Phillips has agreed to buy ARCO’s Alaskan holdings forabout $7 billion in a deal intended to win Federal Trade Commissionapproval of the merger (see Daily GPI, March17).

The dueling U.S. titans were continuing their battle to be thenew owner of England’s The Energy Group. Texas Utilities said itacquired 36.9 million more Energy Group shares at 840 pence/share,representing about 7.1% of The Energy Group’s issued share capital,and now holds 114.4 million shares, about 21.96% of issued sharecapital. TU had the blessing of U.S. regulators for the shareacquisition.