Revenues in the third quarter of 2011 dipped 3% over the second quarter but were still up 23% over the same quarter in 2010 for the group of publicly-traded, US-based companies tracked by Oil & Gas Journal and Oil & Gas Financial Journal.

The largest deal of the 30-day period from mid-December to mid-January involves a Chinese firm and emerging North American unconventional plays.

The primary determinants of the value of an oil and gas company are its reserves, level of production, and commodity price at the time of assessment.

Mid-market companies should know that 2012 is shaping up to be a solid year for M&A activity

The Niobrara formation, sometimes called the Niobrara Chalk, has emerged as the second-hottest liquids-rich play in the Rockies after the Bakken Shale of North Dakota, Montana, and parts of several Canadian provinces.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. has promoted Al Walker, the company's president and COO, to the position of president and CEO. Jim Hackett will continue serving the company in the newly created position of executive chairman.

Hornbeck Offshore Services Inc. has appointed Nicholas L. Swyka to its board of directors, effective February 14, 2012.

Sidley Austin LLP has opened a Houston office to expand its service to energy-based clients.

Adding to its international energy practice, SNR Denton has added a team of oil and gas attorneys to the firm’s Washington, DC office.