Blackstone Group reportedly has plans to purchase Texas-based manufacturer of drill parts and downhole tools Ulterra Drilling Technologies in a $700m deal.

Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the private equity firm is acquiring Ulterra from another private equity firm American Securities.

American Securities acquired Ulterra in 2016.

Data from oilfield consultancy Spears & Associates indicates that Ulterra was the fifth leading player in the global drill bits industry in 2017. It had around $200m in revenue or 8% of the share in the global market last year.

“Ulterra had around $200m in revenue or an 8% of the share in the global market last year.”

According to the consultancy firm, Schlumberger leads the global drill bit market with an estimated $787m in revenue for 2017. This was followed by Baker Hughes, Halliburton and National Oilwell Varco.

One of the sources told the news agency that the purchase of Ulterra is being supported through a debt facility, which is currently being pre-marketed before a formal launch.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Ulterra is one of the many oilfield services firms reportedly being sold as increased drilling activity and higher oil prices have encouraged owners to seek buyers.

Among the many transactions seen in the oilfield services segment in recent days include the sale of Magnum Oil Tools, a downhole technology firm, to Nine Energy Services for $493m. In addition, there was the acquisition of offshore oil and gas platforms equipment provider EnerMech by Carlyle Group from Lime Rock Partners for an undisclosed amount.