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Former Pioneer CEO advises FTC to withdraw ban on his Exxon board inclusion

Scott Sheffield, the former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources, on Tuesday requested the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to leave its order that disallowed his addition on Exxon Mobil's board.

Sheffield likewise sought the dismissal of the proceeding without more action, according to comment submitted by his legal counsel before the regulator.

The U.S. antitrust regulator had given its consent to Exxon's $60 billion purchase of Pioneer earlier in May, but barred Sheffield from Exxon's board on allegations that he tried to conspire with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to raise oil costs.

At no time did government officials and Mr. Sheffield exchange competitively sensitive information, according to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & & Hamilton, Sheffield's counsel commenting on his behalf.

Sheffield retired as Pioneer's CEO on Dec. 31, however continued to serve on its board and had actually been due to take a seat on Exxon's. board when the acquisition offer closed. Exxon closed its. purchase of Leader on May 3.

Leader had actually stated at the time of the consent agreement that. it disagreed with the FTC however would not obstruct of the. deal closing.

FTC is wrong to suggest that I ever took part in, promoted or. even suggested any form of anti-competitive habits, Sheffield. stated on Tuesday.

Sheffield was a regular speaker at energy investor and. market conferences. His declarations on OPEC production cuts. and oil cost trends were widely quoted.

Exxon decreased to comment, while the FTC did not react. to a ask for remark.

(source: Reuters)