Now that the standoff over the so-called "fiscal cliff" between President Obama and the House Republicans has been resolved, some of you may be wondering what it means to you.

Private equity recapitalizations—as a percentage of all transactions—are on the rise. The primary driver for these middle market recapitalizations is a growing amount of private equity available combined with the aging baby boomer generation.

PLS Inc. in conjunction with our international partner Derrick Petroleum Services reports that the global oil and gas M&A market for upstream deals surged 50% higher in 2012 to a record $254 billion, eclipsing the prior high water mark of $212 billion in 2010. Globally, the number of deals with values disclosed decreased 20% to 679 in 2012, compared to 842 in 2011 and 684 in 2010.

Independent research firm IHS Herold Inc. has provided OGFJ with updated production data for our periodic ranking of US-based private E&P companies. The rankings are based on operated production only within the United States.

As is often written in this column, generating an interest in math and science in the younger generation—and particularly in girls and young women—is a goal of many seasoned professionals in the energy industry.