"Southwestern and Chesapeake Approach $17 Billion Merger Deal"

Southwestern Energy and Chesapeake Energy are reportedly on the verge of merging to form a company valued at around $17 billion, which would be one of the top natural-gas producers in the United States. The deal, enhancing Chesapeake's footprint in Louisiana and the Northeast, could be finalized as early as next week if negotiations continue without issues.