Exxon Mobil held informal, early-stage talks to buy Pioneer Natural, WSJ reports

Exxon Mobil (XOM) has held preliminary talks with Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD) about a possible acquisition, reported The Wall Street Journal’s Collin Eaton, Laura Cooper and Jenny Strasburg, citing people familiar with the matter. Talks between the two companies about a potential deal have been informal and some of the people cautioned there is no formal process between Exxon and Pioneer, the Journal noted. Talks may not turn into formal negotiations, or Exxon may pursue another company, said the report, which added that any deal, if it happens, "likely wouldn’t come together until later this year or next year," according to the sources. Reference Link