The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has requested additional information from offshore driller Transocean regarding its proposed $5.8 billion merger with competitor Valaris, as disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. The DoJ's Antitrust Division is reviewing the deal, which would create a combined entity with a fleet of 73 rigs, to assess its impact on market competition. Such requests for further details are common for large mergers and will extend the mandatory waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act. The waiting period will now last until 30 days after both companies provide the requested information to the DoJ.

Transocean CEO Keelan Adamson expressed confidence that the DoJ will ultimately approve the transaction, describing the information request as "part of the process." He noted that the companies are working cooperatively with the DoJ to help regulators understand the competitive dynamics of the offshore drilling market, particularly in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and worldwide. Adamson emphasized that the conversations have been productive and that the deal remains on track to close in the second half of 2026.

Beyond U.S. antitrust review, the merger requires regulatory approval in seven countries. Transocean and Valaris have already received clearance from Saudi Arabia and Trinidad & Tobago. They are also actively engaging with antitrust regulators in Angola, Australia, Brazil, and Egypt. Adamson reiterated confidence that the global regulatory review will be favorable, supporting the timeline for closing the transaction later this year.