Western Midstream-Aris Merger Advances with Election Deadline, Antitrust Clearance

Western Midstream’s $1.1 billion acquisition of Aris Water Solutions moves forward with antitrust clearance and an Oct. 7 election deadline for shareholders. Deal closing expected Oct. 15.

(P&GJ) — Western Midstream Partners LP and Aris Water Solutions Inc. said Sept. 29 that their planned merger has cleared a key regulatory hurdle and that shareholders now face an Oct. 7 deadline to choose their form of consideration.

The companies announced that the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act waiting period expired on Sept. 26, removing an important condition for the deal to close. Western Midstream’s acquisition of Aris is expected to be finalized Oct. 15, pending shareholder approval and other customary conditions.

Aris shareholders can elect to receive either Western Midstream common units, a mix of cash and units, or an all-cash option. The cash component is capped at $415 million, meaning elections could be prorated. Those who do not submit an election will automatically receive Western Midstream units.

Both companies emphasized that the combination strengthens midstream and water management services in the Permian Basin. Western Midstream operates a large portfolio of gathering, processing, and transportation assets across the U.S., while Aris specializes in produced water handling and recycling.