Pecom has successfully bought an emblematic asset from YPF in Chubut, marking a strategic shift in the region's heavy crude oil landscape following the collapse of a deal with Limay Energía, a Rovella Capital-linked firm. YPF's management had initially planned to sell the asset, Manantiales Behr, to Limay Energía for US$575 million, but the deal fell through due to the buyer's inability to meet financial requirements. Given this, YPF opted to go with Pecom's proposal, which had initially come in second during the bidding process.

This transaction is significant not just for Pecom but also for the oil industry in Chubut, as it redefines the competitive landscape around heavy crude oil extraction in the San Jorge Gulf Basin. The take-over comes at a time when the sector is looking to stabilize and expand operations, and Pecom’s acquisition is seen as a potential catalyst for increased production and investment in the region. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by companies in securing funding and the need for resilience in an evolving market.

While the acquisition may shift dynamics locally, it also reflects broader trends in Argentina's energy sector, where state-owned YPF continues to navigate complex financial negotiations amid external pressures. This deal not only impacts Pecom and YPF but also signals a continuing evolution in the management and ownership of vital resources in Argentina's resource-rich provinces, with implications for local economies and employment in the oil and gas sectors.