ExxonMobil is assessing possible acquisition targets that include Australia-based Woodside Energy Group, according to a report from Bloomberg News, citing unnamed sources.
The US-based oil and gas company is said to be holding initial internal discussions as it seeks to expand further into the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and reinforce its foothold in Asian energy markets
The sources, who requested anonymity as they are not authorised to speak publicly, stated that ExxonMobil has not made any decisions. There is also no certainty that these considerations will result in a formal bid for Woodside or any other entity, said the sources. A prospective acquisition of Woodside, Australia’s largest LNG exporter, would represent a strategic shift for ExxonMobil, which completed a $60bn deal for US shale producer Pioneer Natural Resources in 2024.
Bloomberg reported that the acquisition of Woodside would broaden ExxonMobil’s operational reach outside the US. It would also give the company a greater stake in LNG, an area where it trails behind operators such as Shell and TotalEnergies, the publication said. Rising energy demand and recent geopolitical disruptions have brought renewed attention to LNG suppliers outside the Middle East.