Update: Market Chatter: BP North Sea Operations Garner Interest From Potential Buyers

11:43 AM EDT, 09/09/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with responses from Adura, BP, Var Energi, Ithaca and Harbour Energy in the fourth and fifth paragraphs, Serica Energy's comments in the sixth paragraph, and latest BP share movement in the seventh paragraph) BP (BP) has attracted interest from several potential buyers for its North Sea operations, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Potential suitors include Equinor (EQNR) and Shell (SHEL) joint venture Adura and TotalEnergies-backed (TTE) NEO Next+, the unnamed sources told the news outlet. EnQuest, Harbour Energy, Ithaca Energy, Serica Energy, and Var Energi are among other potential bidders that may evaluate the assets, Bloomberg reported. "Our priority is securing consent for Jackdaw and Rosebank - two advanced projects of national importance that can define the next chapter for the North Sea and for UK energy security," a spokesperson for Adura said. BP, Var Energi, Ithaca and Harbour Energy declined to comment, while EnQuest and didn't immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment. "Serica continues to rigorously evaluate a pipeline of M&A opportunities, both in the UK North Sea and other areas in which the company can successfully deliver its strategy," a Serica spokesperson told MT Newswires in an emailed statement. BP shares were 1.1% higher in Wednesday trading. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.) Price: 45.32, Change: +0.44, Percent Change: +0.98