Williams Cos expands gas pipeline holdings with $1.5 billion purchase

Williams Cos. remains committed to merger despite possible job losses | KTUL

 

Tulsa-based Williams is expanding its natural gas pipeline holdings with the $1.5 billion acquisition of Southwest Gas Holdings’ MountainWest Pipelines Holding Company.

The all-cash deal involves more than 2,000 miles of interstate gas lines primarily in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado operated by MountainWest. The systems total nearly 8,031 million dekatherms a day of transmission capacity. MountainWest also holds 56 billion cubic feet of total storage capacity, including Clay Basin, the largest underground storage reservoir in the Rocky Mountain Region.

“Our natural gas focused strategy is anchored in having the right assets in the right places to serve our nation’s growing demand for clean, affordable and abundant natural gas. MountainWest is complementary to our current footprint, providing us with infrastructure for natural gas deliveries across key demand markets, including into Salt Lake City,” said Alan Armstrong, Williams president and Chief Executive Officer.

Williams Cos. CEO Alan Armstrong discusses dead merger and future of Tulsa

“We also see this acquisition as an opportunity to bring value to both Williams and MountainWest customers as we integrate business processes and systems, allowing us to potentially offer new flow paths for next generation natural gas that could create additional market optionality for our shippers.”

MountainWest Pipeline Map

Southwest stated it intends to use the net proceeds to repay the company’s approximately $1.1 billion term loan.

The transaction is expected to close in 2023, following regulatory approvals and the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

The transaction represents an estimated loss of $350 – $425 million for Southwest Gas, net of tax.