Mitsubishi makes a $7.5B bet on Haynesville Shale gas

Japanese trading giant Mitsubishi is making a major bet on the U.S. energy sector with a $7.5 billion acquisition of Aethon Energy, one of the largest natural gas producers in the Haynesville Shale across northwest Louisiana and east Texas. 

As reported by The Center Square, the deal, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, gives Mitsubishi control of assets currently producing about 2.1 billion cubic feet of gas per day and positions the company for peak output in 2028.

The purchase marks Mitsubishi’s formal entry into U.S. shale production and fits a broader push by Japanese firms to lock in direct access to American energy supplies, especially near Gulf Coast LNG export terminals. The move follows a wave of similar investments from JERA, Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas and Mitsui totaling more than $8.5 billion in 2025.

Backed by Berkshire Hathaway, Mitsubishi is also expanding across power generation, data centers, chemicals and LNG infrastructure while reportedly seeking to sell part of its stake in LNG Canada.

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