Two industry experts break down the complete oil and gas M&A due diligence process from both buyer and broker perspectives. Kyle Dubiel from Eagle Mountain and Bryce Winters from Dudley Land Company walk through everything from pre-bid VDR evaluation to post-close integration, sharing real-world insights on team mobilization, defect identification, and timeline management.
What You’ll Learn
- How to structure and scope due diligence teams for maximum efficiency
- The critical importance of allocated value schedules in PSA negotiations
- Why most defects come from material contracts, not title issues
- Best practices for VDR organization and early deal evaluation
- How to balance diligence speed with thoroughness under tight deadlines
Time Stamps
- 00:55 - Episode Intro
- 02:23 - The Phases of Due Diligence
- 04:15 - Understanding the Due Diligence Process
- 09:10 - Evaluating Assets and Marketed Deals
- 31:21 - Budgeting and Diligence Timeline
- 31:46 - Allocation of Value in Bidding
- 34:49 - Financing and Bank Allocated Value Schedules
- 36:45 - Organizing Due Diligence Workflow
- 40:58 - Handling Title Defects and Material Contracts
- 42:44 - Defect Thresholds and Deductibles
- 47:10 - Importance of Consents and Preferences
- 49:53 - Due Diligence Workbooks and Team Structure
- 59:44 - Post-Close Organizational Efforts
- 01:03:40 - Final Thoughts and Best Practices
Snippets from the Episode
- “Due diligence is the Taco Bell of land work. It's great when you go into it, but by the time you're done, you say you'll never do that again."— Brent Broussard
- "The bulk of our defects are found in consents and contracts. That's where almost everything comes from."— Bryce Winters
- "You're trying to do something in 30 days that it took a company years to put together."— Brent Broussard
- "Communication is key. If you can do that with whoever you're working with, you're gonna set yourself up for success."— Kyle Dubiel
- "The greatest thing about giving your team a heads up is that they think for free—you're not paying 'em on the clock."— Brent Broussard
Key Takeaways
- Early Communication Prevents Timeline Disasters
- Material Contracts Drive Most Modern Title Defects
- Allocated Value Schedules Determine Team Structure
- VDR Quality Signals Asset Management Competency
- Defect Thresholds Require Strategic Portfolio Thinking
- Post-Close Organization Maximizes Diligence Investment
- Clear Objectives Lists Keep Teams Focused
Help us improve our podcast! Share your thoughts in our quick survey.
Resources
More From Our Guests
Kyle Dubiel - Vice President of BD, Land & Legal at Eagle Mountain Energy Partners
Bryce Winters - Land Director - Western US, Dudley Land Company
More from Our Hosts
Connect With Us
Ready to protect your land projects with integrated legal and title support? Our Dudley Select Title division works seamlessly with experienced oil and gas counsel to keep your deals on track and defensible. Contact us to learn how our complete energy partnership approach includes the legal expertise that matters when stakes are high.
