Mitsubishi Corp is in talks to acquire U.S. shale and pipeline assets from Aethon Energy Management for around $8 billion, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The deal would give Mitsubishi a major natural gas foothold near the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Aethon, backed by RedBird Capital and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, operates significant gas assets in Louisiana, East Texas, and Wyoming, Reuters has reported.

While discussions are ongoing, a final agreement has not been reached.

Written by B.C. Begley