GE, Baker Hughes Create Powerful New Player In Energy Sector

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

NEW YORK (AP) - General Electric and Baker Hughes are combining their oil and gas businesses to create a powerful player in an energy sector buffeted by years of weak prices.

Under the deal announced Monday, General Electric Co. will own 62.5 percent of the new company and Texas-based Baker Hughes Inc., which provides drilling services for oil and gas companies, will own the rest. Baker Hughes shareholders will receive a one-time cash dividend of $17.50 per share.

The boards of both companies have approved the deal, which is expected to close mid-2017. It still needs approval from Baker Hughes shareholders.

The new business will have dual headquarters in Houston and London.

Shares of Baker Hughes Inc. are up more than 6 percent before the opening bell, while GE's stock is up slightly.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)