The independent American oil firm ANADARKO has announced the acquisition of its compatriot UPR - UNION PACIFIC RESOURCES through an exchange of shares estimated at $4.4 bn. Under the terms of the deal, ANADARKO shareholders will hold a 53% stake in the new entity and those of UPR 47%. The new company will have a stock market capitalisation of $9 bn and oil and gas reserves equivalent to 1.94 bn barrels.