Despite the announcement of a large offshore drilling merger this summer, the fragmented industry may have missed its chance for further consolidation due to a recent swift cyclical upswing, according to analysts. Shlumberger Ltd.'s announcement in July that it would merge its offshore drilling unit, Sedco Forex, with Transocean Offshore Inc., to form the world's largest offshore driller, was expected to set off a wave of consolidation in the industry, matching some of the activity among oil majors. But analysts now say a rebound in crude oil prices has closed the window of opportunity by prompting companies to hold out for wider operating margins.
