NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Chevron Corp., aiming to expand its holdings in the Marcellus Shale natural gas region of Pennsylvania, said Tuesday it will acquire Atlas Energy Inc. for $4.3 billion.
The deal includes a cash purchase of $3.2 billion and the acquisition of $1.1 billion worth of Atlas' debt, said Chevron.
Chevron vice chairman George Kirkland said the acquisition will provide his company with a foothold in the Marcellus region.
"We are acquiring a company that has one of the premier acreage positions in the prolific Marcellus," said Kirkland, in a press release.
Atlas' shares are being valued at $43.34 per share, said Chevron, a 37% premium from its Monday closing price.
"All of our shareholders should benefit from this sale and upon its completion, Atlas will have achieved a return of well over 800% since its initial public offering less than 6-1/2 years ago," said Edward Cohen, chief executive of Atlas Energy, in a press release.
Chevron's (CVX, Fortune 500) share price slipped slightly in pre-market trading. Atlas' (ATLS) share price soared by more than one-third.
Companies specializing in natural gas production rose in pre-market trading, on speculation that the Chevon-Atlas merger means good news for the sector.
Range Resources (RRC) rose more than 5% about one hour before the opening bell. Cabot Oil & Gas (COG) and Southwestern Energy (SWN) were both up more than 4%.Chesapeak Energy Corp. (CHK, Fortune 500) gained about 2%. 
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