Philippine tycoon Dennis Uy's Udenna conglomerate struck a deal worth up to $460 million to buy a gas exploration and development company from Shell last week. The deal, which attracted a premium valuation and boosts Udenna’s share in the Malampaya gas field to 90%, is positive for both the Philippines and Shell.
Law makers in the Philippines are seeking to refocus the Philippine National Oil Company’s (PNOC’s) investment mandate towards exploration and production ventures. The move is part of an effort to revive the Southeast Asian nation’s ailing upstream sector and attract new investment as its energy security situation continues to deteriorate.
