Chevron and private equity group Quantum Energy Partners are teaming up on a bid to acquire the international assets of sanctioned Russian oil producer Lukoil, Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The assets are valued by Lukoil at around $22 billion and include oil and gas production, refining facilities, and an extensive network of filling stations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
If successful, Chevron and Quantum plan to split the portfolio between them and hold the assets for the long term, a structure that is seen as more likely to gain approval from the Trump administration.
The bid is being spearheaded by Quantum, which is working alongside its London-based portfolio company, Artemis Energy.
Strategic bid for Lukoil’s non-Russian assets
The proposed transaction targets Lukoil’s entire international portfolio, excluding its Russian operations.
The assets have attracted significant interest as Western governments seek to reduce Russian influence over global energy infrastructure following sanctions imposed on Moscow.
According to people cited in the report, the commitment by Chevron and Quantum to retain ownership and operate the assets over the long term could strengthen their case with US policymakers.
One senior US government official said in the Financial Times report that Washington was seeking a divestment that would place the assets in the hands of American owners and operators “ad infinitum,” rather than investors pursuing a short-term resale.
Quantum was founded by Texan oil tycoon Wil VanLoh and has already engaged with officials in the Trump administration, arguing that its proposal would consolidate American control over strategically important energy assets.
Competitive auction and regulatory hurdles
Chevron and Quantum are the latest entrants in a competitive auction process for Lukoil’s non-Russian assets.
Other bidders include Carlyle Group and Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate International Holding Company, according to a Reuters report.
Exxon Mobil, Saudi Arabia’s Midad Energy, and other suitors expressed interest.
The sale process was triggered in November after Swiss commodities trader Gunvor withdrew from a previously agreed deal with Lukoil.
That transaction collapsed after the US Treasury Department said it would block the purchase and described Gunvor as being under Kremlin influence.
Gunvor, which was co-founded by Gennady Timchenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has denied any current links to the Russian government.
The US Treasury has permitted companies to negotiate with Lukoil until January 17.
Any final agreement would require US regulatory approval, effectively giving President Donald Trump a veto over the transaction.
Chevron’s interest and market reaction
Chevron had previously considered submitting its own bid for parts of Lukoil’s international business and could be particularly interested in Lukoil’s 5% stake in Kazakhstan’s Tengiz oilfield, which Chevron partially owns and operates.
The potential acquisition comes as Washington continues to tighten sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, having imposed measures in October on the country’s two largest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil.
For Chevron and Quantum, the bid represents both a strategic investment opportunity and a politically sensitive transaction that hinges on US approval.
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