The deal, which was announced on Sept. 8, 2015, will expand Williams’ gas gathering services for Chesapeake in growing dry gas production areas of the Utica Shale in eastern Ohio and consolidate contracts in the Haynesville Shale in northwestern Louisiana. The agreements will serve to optimize production opportunities, streamline fee structures, and restructure commitments to encourage long-term development of the fields. The agreements were entered into by subsidiaries of Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE:WPZ), of which Williams own 60 percent, including the general partner interest.

Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Williams is a premier provider of large-scale infrastructure connecting North American natural gas and natural gas products to growing demand for cleaner fuel and feedstocks. Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corporation is the second-largest producer of natural gas and the 11th largest producer of oil and natural gas liquids in the U.S.

Jackson Walker partners Amy Baird and Anna Irion represented Williams in the transaction, which demonstrates the strength of the firm’s Energy practice group. The firm has particular experience in the area of shale oil and shale gas development, providing experience to clients engaged in shale plays across North America.