Gunvor, a Switzerland-based commodities trader, is in early stage talks to acquire natural gas-producing assets in Texas and Louisiana from US-based Silver Hill Energy Partners for $1.2bn (SFr960m)–1.5bn, reported Reuters.
The assets are situated in the Haynesville shale basin, four people familiar with the matter told the news agency.
If completed, the transaction would further Gunvor’s strategy to build an integrated shale gas production and marketing presence in the US.
The move would be Gunvor’s second deal in the Haynesville region this year, following its earlier support for Oklahoma City-based Western Natural’s approximately $300m acquisition of Haynesville gas assets.
Two of the sources said that Western Natural would operate the assets should the deal proceed.
Discussions between Gunvor and Silver Hill remain in an early phase, and there is no certainty of a final agreement, according to those with knowledge of the negotiations.
The sources requested anonymity, citing the confidential nature of the talks.
The Haynesville basin has attracted increased investment interest due to its high output levels and close proximity to existing and planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals along the US Gulf Coast.
The sector has seen heightened activity as demand for natural gas grows, partly driven by power needs from data centres as well as diversification efforts from global importers seeking alternatives to Middle Eastern supplies affected by regional tensions.
Gunvor’s recent expansion in US natural gas aligns with the appointment of Gary Pedersen as CEO following a management buyout last year.
In addition to supporting Western Natural, Gunvor added a second long-term LNG offtake agreement with Delfin Midstream in May 2026.
Silver Hill Energy Partners, based in Dallas and founded by Kyle Miller in 2011, has raised around $4.15bn in institutional equity across five partnerships focused on oil, gas and infrastructure assets in key US basins.
Its portfolio consists of approximately 192,000 net acres across the Bakken, Haynesville and Eagle Ford shale formations.
The company has approximately 1,350 gross drilling sites, produces an estimated 500 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and 20,000 barrels per day of oil, and operates three midstream businesses.
