1347 ET - Operators of natural-gas pipelines, processing stations and liquefaction plants accounted for four of the 10 largest infrastructure deals announced worldwide last year, with total deal value in the subsector rising 36% compared to 2024 despite a drop in the number of transactions, according to Guggenheim Securities. That reflected a "flight to scale" by natural gas-infrastructure operators in response to rising demand for the fuel from power producers and LNG exporters. Unlike the shale booms, this cycle is driven by "demand pull...underpinned by multi-decade offtake contracts and geopolitical realities," Guggenheim says. Large operators also benefit from increased interest from insurers and credit providers looking to form joint ventures, it adds. "No longer are infrastructure funds the lowest cost form of equity capital for these large corporates." (luis.garcia@wsj.com; @lhvgarcia)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 06, 2026 13:47 ET (18:47 GMT)

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