Swiss commodities trader Gunvor is in early-stage talks to acquire natural gas-producing assets in the Haynesville shale basin from private energy firm Silver Hill Energy Partners, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The proposed deal would value the assets between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, exceeding $1 billion as initially reported. If finalized, Western Natural—an Oklahoma City-based oil and gas producer backed by Gunvor earlier this year—would operate the assets. Talks remain preliminary, and a deal is not guaranteed, the sources said.
The Haynesville assets span approximately 58,000 net acres across East Texas and Louisiana, with net production estimated at 370 million cubic feet equivalent per day, according to Rystad Energy estimates. The acquisition would mark Gunvor’s second major move into U.S. natural gas production this year, following a $300 million investment to support Western Natural’s purchase of Haynesville assets in June.
Gunvor’s strategic shift aligns with broader industry trends, including a surge in demand for U.S. natural gas driven by power generation needs for AI data centers and new export terminal capacity along the Gulf Coast. The Haynesville basin’s proximity to LNG facilities and high production levels has heightened its appeal amid global supply uncertainties, including disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The company has also expanded its U.S. natural gas footprint through a second long-term offtake agreement with Delfin Midstream, finalized in May. Competitors such as Vitol and Citadel have similarly pursued U.S. natural gas assets in recent months, reflecting heightened interest in the sector.
