Anadarko Petroleum was an American oil and natural gas exploration and production company. Founded in 1959, it operated in various regions, including the United States, Gulf of Mexico, and Africa. The company focused on developing resources in both conventional and unconventional plays, such as shale formations. In 2019, Anadarko was acquired by Occidental Petroleum for approximately $38 billion. This acquisition aimed to enhance Occidental's position in the energy market and expand its portfolio of assets. The merger marked a significant consolidation in the oil and gas industry, reflecting ongoing trends in resource management and energy production.