Southwestern Energy and Chesapeake Energy are on the verge of a merger that could create a company worth approximately $17 billion, positioning it as one of the largest natural-gas producers in the United States.

Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that the deal may materialize as early as next week, provided that the negotiations proceed smoothly without encountering any last-minute obstacles.

The merger is anticipated to bolster Chesapeake Energy’s existing foothold in Louisiana and the Northeast, potentially reshaping the landscape of the natural-gas industry.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.