ONEOK's Strategic Acquisition: Strengthening Midstream Energy Dominance

ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE: OKE) has announced a strategic move to bolster its midstream energy dominance by acquiring the remaining publicly held common units of EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE: ENLC) for $4.3 billion in a tax-free, all-stock transaction. This deal positions ONEOK as a more dominant player in the midstream energy sector while promising greater shareholder returns and liquidity for EnLink unitholders.

ONEOK's acquisition of EnLink is expected to be accretive to earnings per share (EPS) and provide EnLink unitholders with significantly greater trading liquidity and an attractive dividend yield. ONEOK will issue approximately 37.0 million shares, representing about 6.0% of its total shares outstanding post-transaction. The merger is set to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and majority approval from EnLink unitholders.ONEOK has committed to vote its 44% stake in favor of the deal, effectively guaranteeing majority support. This transaction follows ONEOK's October 2024 purchase of Global Infrastructure Partners' 100% interest in EnLink for $3.3 billion in cash, further consolidating its control over the midstream energy company.



ONEOK's acquisition of EnLink signifies a strategic move to strengthen its midstream energy operations. ONEOK, with its existing infrastructure, can leverage EnLink's assets to create synergies and improve operational efficiency. By combining ONEOK's extensive network and EnLink's complementary assets, the merged entity can enhance its ability to transport, process, and store energy resources more efficiently. This integration can lead to cost savings, increased capacity, and improved service quality for customers.

Moreover, ONEOK's acquisition of EnLink presents a strategic opportunity to expand its customer base and market reach. By acquiring EnLink's customer base, ONEOK gains access to EnLink's established client relationships and market penetration. This could potentially lead to cross-selling opportunities, as EnLink's customers may be interested in ONEOK's additional services, such as natural gas liquids (NGLs) processing, storage, and transportation. Additionally, ONEOK can leverage EnLink's market reach to enter new geographic regions, further expanding its service footprint and enhancing its ability to compete in the midstream energy sector.



In conclusion, ONEOK's strategic acquisition of EnLink's remaining units for $4.3 billion in stock is a significant move towards strengthening its midstream energy operations. The integration of EnLink's assets and customer base will enable ONEOK to improve operational efficiency, expand its service footprint, and create synergies. The merged entity will have a stronger operational foundation, enabling it to better navigate market challenges and capitalize on opportunities, ultimately enhancing ONEOK's overall organizational strength. This acquisition is a testament to ONEOK's commitment to strategic consolidation and organic growth, positioning the company for long-term success in the midstream energy sector.