Citadel Acquires $1 Billion Natural Gas Assets from Paloma

Citadel has made a significant move into the US natural gas sector with a $1 billion acquisition of assets from Paloma Natural Gas, marking one of its largest investments in this market. Led by founder Ken Griffin, the deal provides Citadel with access to acreage and producing assets, although it will not manage operations directly. This expansion is part of a broader trend, as other companies like Gunvor Group and Mercuria Energy Group also seek to acquire US gas production assets amid rising demand driven by increased exports and the energy needs of data centers and AI applications. A Citadel spokesperson emphasized the importance of investing in independent gas producers for U.S. energy independence. Paloma Natural Gas's portfolio includes 57,000 net mineral acres in the Haynesville shale basin, a prime location for gas assets due to its proximity to future export terminals. The US is projected to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 60% in the coming years.