One of the interesting news announcements this week, was about CNOOC of China buying Nexen of Canada – an energy exploration company. CNOOC is a $38 billion company and Nexen reported revenues of $6.3 billion in 2011.
For any company looking at global markets, there are some interesting developments wrapped up in this announcement.
This is a major step for a Chinese company, a major step in the energy industry and a major step for Canada. Consider a few facts compiled from our Global 5000 database.
- Canada’s energy assets are substantial. Looking at Global 5000 companies in Canada, right behind Financial Services, Oil & Gas and Mining are the next 2 largest industries representing 27% of the largest companies in Canada. So, as the world thirst for natural resources and energy continues to climb … Canada will get more attention.
- Looking at growth rates over the past few years, China has grown faster than the rest of the market. So has the Oil & Gas industry as well as the Mining industry. The total Global 5000 grew 11.4% in 2010 and 12% in 2011. China based Global 5000 companies grew 33.5% and 30% in 2011. Oil & Gas firms reported growth of 22% and 24% for those same years while mining companies grew even more at 40% in 2010 and 30% this past year. So, this deal hits right at the heart of a number of growth segments.
- This is a second big deal by a Chinese company in the North American market — see our article earlier this year on the Chinese bank ICBC entering the US market via an acquisition.
The bottom line here is that China’s economy is huge, its growth — even at lower rates — is still a huge differential and it has a continually increasing need for energy resources. Canadian companies have those resources so we can expect more deals and activity.
For more information about The Global 5000 and companies like these that are included, visit the database page.
