Beginning in mid-2020 and continuing into 2021, Cimarex Energy Co. (NYSE:XEC) engaged in preliminary discussions concerning potential mergers or similar strategic transactions with Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (NYSE:COG) and five other exploration and production companies whose operations were primarily in the Permian and/or Anadarko basins, according to a regulatory filing. The preliminary discussions "progressed to the entry into a non-disclosure agreement and mutual exchange of non-public due diligence information with two companies, including Cabot.

" The interactions with the other E&P company party to a non-disclosure agreement occurred in mid-2020 but did not progress to the negotiation of financial or other material terms before cessation, according to the filing.