North American property transactions have doubled in total dollar value this decade, according to Randy King, managing director and head, Merrill Lynch Petrie Divestiture Advisors. There was a low of $3.5 billion worth of these transactions-these exclude corporate deals or mergers-in 2001. In 2006, these totaled $28.9 billion worth. Deal-making this year through late May was running at an annualized pace of $30 billion. And, that estimate excluded the $6.5-billion deal announcement in early June for Dominion Resources properties by XTO and Loews Corp., for example. King spoke to energy executives in Houston at a program on global energy markets at Minute Maid baseball park. Prices paid for North American proved reserves have grown 328% this decade, he added. The low was approximately 60 cents per thousand cubic feet equivalent (Mcfe) in 2000; this year through late May, the average is some $2.70. For more on this, see the July issue of Oil and Gas Investor. For a subscription, call 713-260-6441.

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