Canadian producers riding another M&A wave

Low debts levels and the advantages of larger companies among the reasons for the rise in activity

The Canadian oil patch has seen a significant jump in M&A activity this year, nearing levels seen during the Covid pandemic, but for very different reasons. And assuming relatively strong oil, gas and equity prices continue, activity is expected to remain at heightened levels for the foreseeable future, although deals involving unconventional resource plays should gain precedence over the oil sands. “A number of factors have been driving the recent uptick in M&A activity in the Canadian oil patch,” Scott Barron, head of Calgary investment banking for TD Securities, told Petroleum Economist. “Higher oil and gas prices have been positive for revenues and cash flow, contributing to extr