By Simon Tysoe

The prolonged turbulence in oil prices has brought cost reduction programmes, the shelving of projects, and insolvencies in the oil field services (OFS) and exploration and production (E&P) sectors — and has presented a once in- a-generation buying opportunity. Although many companies are focused on pure survival, there are buyers willing to bet on an eventual recovery. Indeed, the situation presents a significant opportunity for private equity, either alone or in partnership with corporates.