Energy Transfer Equity to Combine with Williams

DALLAS & TULSA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE:ETE) (“ETE”) and The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB) (“Williams” or “WMB”) today announced a business combination transaction valued at approximately $37.7 billion, including the assumption of debt and other liabilities. This announcement follows the termination of the previously agreed merger agreement between WMB and Williams Partners L.P. (“WPZ”). The business combination between ETE and WMB was approved by the Boards of Directors of both entities. The combination will create the third largest energy franchise in North America and one of the five largest global energy companies. The combination will also benefit customers by enabling further investments in capital projects and efficiencies that would not be achievable absent the transaction.