Chesapeake, Southwestern Energy announce expiration of HSR Act waiting period

Chesapeake (CHK) and Southwestern Energy (SWN) announced the waiting period in connection with the companies’ pending combination under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, or HSR Act, has expired. The companies expect the merger to close in the first week of October. Upon closing, the combined company will be the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and assume the name Expand Energy Corporation. It will commence public trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol (EXE) at the open of trading the day after closing.