Company Profile: Maverick Natural Resources
Background
Maverick Natural Resources, LLC, established in 2018, is a Houston-based oil and natural gas company focused on the development and production of long-lived oil and gas reserves across the United States. The company operates in seven regions: East Texas, Mid-Continent (Western Oklahoma and Eastern New Mexico), Permian (West Texas), Rockies (Wyoming), Southeast (Southwest Florida, Florida Panhandle, and Alabama), and Western Anadarko (Texas Panhandle and Southwestern Oklahoma).
Key Strategic Focus
Maverick's strategic focus centers on acquiring and efficiently managing mature upstream oil and gas assets. The company leverages advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. By focusing on long-lived reserves, Maverick aims to provide consistent free cash flow and shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation and operational excellence.
Financials and Funding
As of October 26, 2023, Maverick raised $640 million through an asset-backed securitization financing transaction. In January 2025, Diversified Energy Company announced the acquisition of Maverick for approximately $1.275 billion, including debt assumption. This acquisition was completed in March 2025, enhancing Diversified's asset base and operational scale.
Pipeline Development
Prior to its acquisition, Maverick expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including:
- FourPoint Energy: In December 2020, Maverick merged with FourPoint Energy, the largest producer in the Western Anadarko Basin, creating Unbridled Resources LLC.
- ConocoPhillips Permian Basin Assets: In January 2022, Maverick acquired certain properties from ConocoPhillips, spanning about 144,500 net acres in the Permian Basin.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Maverick employed advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The company focused on reducing operating costs and improving production through automation and technological innovation.
Leadership Team
Prior to the acquisition, Maverick's leadership included:
- Rick Gideon: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chris Heinson: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- John Brawley: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Following the acquisition, Rick Gideon assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Diversified Energy Company.
Competitor Profile
Maverick Natural Resources operated in a competitive landscape with several key players:
- Diversified Energy Company: Acquired Maverick in March 2025, enhancing its asset base and operational scale.
- Diamondback Energy: A Midland, Texas-based company engaged in hydrocarbon exploration in the Permian Basin.
- Denbury Inc.: Engaged in hydrocarbon exploration and extraction via enhanced oil recovery, utilizing carbon dioxide to extract petroleum.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Maverick's strategic collaborations included:
- EIG Global Energy Partners: Majority owner and controller of Maverick, providing financial backing and strategic guidance.
- FourPoint Energy: Merged with Maverick in December 2020, creating Unbridled Resources LLC.
- ConocoPhillips: Sold Permian Basin assets to Maverick in January 2022.
Operational Insights
Maverick's operational strategy focused on acquiring mature assets and enhancing their value through technological innovation and efficient management. The company's ability to reduce operating costs and improve production efficiency provided a competitive advantage in the industry.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Post-acquisition, Diversified Energy Company, now including Maverick's assets, is positioned to leverage the combined portfolio for organic growth through established low-risk, high-return development partnerships. The integration aims to unlock underdeveloped acreage potential and expand operations in key regions, including the Permian Basin and Western Anadarko Basin.