Citi views Keane acquisition of FTS as most attractive in Oil Service. Consolidation amongst the pressure pumpers is likely to pick up in the current period of profitability bifurcation, Citi analyst Scott Gruber tells investors in a research note. The analyst, however, believes Schlumberger (SLB) and Halliburton (HAL) seem unlikely to acquire and that consolidation looks more likely amongst the mid-tier pumpers. Of those, Keane Group (FRAC) is most likely to acquire, says the analyst. FTS International (FTSI) screens as the most likely to be acquired, although pumping segments at Patterson-UTI (PTEN) and Superior Energy (SPN) could also be targeted, contends Gruber. He believes Keane and FTS looks like the most attractive combination. Both shares could rise in the event of a deal announcement, says the analyst.
