SoftVest and Blackbeard Announce Preliminary Agreement for PBT Business Combination
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 18 2026
0mins
SoftVest, L.P., a significant unitholder of the Permian Basin Royalty Trust, and Blackbeard Holdings announced that they have entered into a preliminary non-binding term sheet contemplating a business combination of PBT and certain Blackbeard assets. The Transaction would result in the formation of a new Texas-incorporated, NYSE-listed company. Under the terms of the proposed Transaction, New PubCo would acquire and own (i) all of the assets and operations of PBT and (ii) US Land Guild, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackbeard that will own approximately 66,500 acres of surface estate and a 15% royalty interest associated with certain acreage and mineral interests currently owned by Blackbeard or one of its affiliates. Immediately following the Transaction, former PBT unitholders would own approximately 58% of New PubCo and Blackbeard and its affiliates would own approximately 42%, reflecting the significant value attributed to PBT's existing asset base and unitholder base in the combined entity. The Transaction is expected to be presented to PBT unitholders for approval at a unitholder meeting to be called in due course. Following the recent court-approved amendment to the Trust's indenture, the Transaction may be approved by a simple majority of unitholders constituting a quorum at such meeting.
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About PBT
Permian Basin Royalty Trust is an express trust. Its Waddell Ranch Properties has mineral interests in the Waddell Ranch. Its Waddell Ranch Properties have proved reserves in six fields: Dune, Sand Hills (Judkins), Sand Hills (McKnight), Sand Hills (Tubb), University-Waddell (Devonian) and Waddell. The Waddell Ranch properties contain approximately 918 (net) productive oil wells and 111 (net) productive gas wells. The Blackbeard Operating, LLC is an operator of record of the Waddell Ranch properties. In the six fields, there are 12 producing zones ranging in depth from 2,800 to 10,600 feet. The prolific of these zones are the Grayburg and San Andres, which produce from depths between 2,800 and 3,400 feet. Also productive from San Andres are the Sand Hills gas field and the Sand Hills oil field, the Dune (Grayburg/San Andres) oil field, and the Waddell (Grayburg/San Andres) oil field. The Dune and Waddell oil fields are productive from both the Grayburg and San Andres formations.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Permian Basin Royalty Trust Proposes Merger with Blackbeard Holdings
- Significant Stock Surge: Shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) jumped 7% to an all-time high following the announcement of a potential merger with Blackbeard Holdings, indicating strong market optimism and investor expectations for future revenue growth.
- New Company Formation Plan: SoftVest, L.P. signed a preliminary agreement to consider the creation of a new public company that would own all assets and operations of the trust along with certain Blackbeard assets, aiming to consolidate resources and enhance market competitiveness.
- Land Asset Integration: The proposed deal includes US Land Guild, expected to hold approximately 66,500 acres of land and a 15% royalty interest, which will provide a stable income source for the new company and strengthen its position in the energy market.
- Production and Price Recovery: PBT reported increased oil production from its Texas properties, with rising oil prices partially offsetting lower natural gas volumes, demonstrating the company's resilience and profitability in the current market environment.
See More
Permian Basin Royalty Trust Proposes Merger with Blackbeard Holdings
- Merger Proposal: SoftVest and Blackbeard Holdings have entered into a preliminary non-binding term sheet proposing a merger of Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) with certain Blackbeard assets to create a new Texas-incorporated, NYSE-listed company.
- Asset Acquisition: The new entity would acquire all assets of PBT and its subsidiary US Land Guild LLC, encompassing approximately 66,500 acres of surface estate and a 15% royalty interest, aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the energy market.
- Equity Structure: Post-merger, former PBT unitholders would own about 58% of the new company, while Blackbeard and its affiliates would hold approximately 42%, ensuring a balanced and collaborative interest among stakeholders.
- Strategic Implications: This merger seeks to address the structural limitations of PBT's existing net profits interest framework, originally established in 1980, and aims to create a modern, durable, and diversified land, royalty, and energy company to adapt to industry changes.
See More
Permian Basin Royalty Trust and Blackbeard Reach Preliminary Agreement
- Preliminary Agreement: The Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) has reached a preliminary non-binding term sheet with SoftVest and Blackbeard Holdings, outlining a potential business combination that could significantly reshape its operational and investment strategies.
- Asset Integration Plan: The new corporation will acquire all Trust assets and Blackbeard's US Land Guild subsidiary, which manages approximately 66,500 acres of land and a 15% royalty interest, potentially enhancing the company's competitive edge in resource management.
- Shareholder Approval Anticipated: The Trustee expects that if the business combination proceeds, it will require approval from a majority of Trust unitholders, which could impact the governance structure and future decision-making processes of the Trust.
- Disclosure and Transparency: The Trustee emphasizes that this announcement is solely for informational purposes and has not participated in the negotiation of the terms, encouraging unitholders to read the full Schedule 13D document to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the merger proposal.
See More
Permian Basin Royalty Trust and Blackbeard Reach Preliminary Agreement
- Preliminary Agreement: The Permian Basin Royalty Trust has reached a preliminary non-binding agreement with SoftVest and Blackbeard Holdings to potentially integrate Trust assets with Blackbeard's, aiming to enhance market competitiveness through the formation of a new corporation.
- Asset Integration Plan: The new corporation will own all Trust assets and US Land Guild, a subsidiary of Blackbeard managing approximately 66,500 acres and a 15% royalty interest, which is expected to strengthen the Trust's asset base and revenue potential.
- Shareholder Approval Requirement: The Trustee anticipates that the proposed business combination will require majority approval from Trust unitholders, based on recent modifications to the Trust's Indenture approved by a court on May 8, 2026, ensuring transparency and legality in the merger process.
- Transparency in Disclosure: This announcement serves to inform Trust unitholders, as the Trustee has not participated in the negotiation of the agreement, encouraging unitholders to read the complete Schedule 13D for further details and context.
See More
SoftVest and Blackbeard Announce Merger Agreement
- Transaction Overview: SoftVest and Blackbeard have entered into a preliminary non-binding term sheet to merge the Permian Basin Royalty Trust with certain Blackbeard assets, forming a new NYSE-listed company, New PubCo, where former PBT unitholders will own approximately 58%, reflecting the significant value of PBT's existing assets.
- Strategic Significance: The transaction aims to address the structural limitations of PBT's existing Net Profits Interest framework by converting it into a cost-free 15% royalty interest, which is expected to generate more predictable and consistent cash flow for unitholders, enhancing financial stability.
- Land Asset Reconstruction: Blackbeard's wholly-owned subsidiary, US Land Guild, will own approximately 66,500 acres, which is anticipated to contribute diversified revenue beyond oil and gas royalties, thereby strengthening the company's asset base.
- Future Growth Platform: New PubCo is positioned to leverage proprietary operating experience accumulated over the past six years to acquire additional surface and royalty interests across the Central Basin Platform, further expanding its business and enhancing market competitiveness.
See More
SoftVest and Blackbeard Announce Merger Intent
- Transaction Overview: SoftVest and Blackbeard have entered into a preliminary non-binding term sheet to merge Permian Basin Royalty Trust with Blackbeard's assets, forming a new NYSE-listed company, New PubCo, with former PBT unitholders owning approximately 58%, reflecting significant value attributed to PBT's asset base.
- Strategic Significance: The transaction aims to address structural limitations of PBT's existing Net Profits Interest framework by converting it into a cost-free 15% royalty interest, which is expected to generate more predictable and consistent cash flow for unitholders, enhancing the company's financial health.
- Land Asset Reconstruction: Blackbeard's wholly-owned subsidiary, US Land Guild, will own approximately 66,500 acres, expected to contribute diversified revenue beyond oil and gas royalties, thereby strengthening the company's competitive edge in resource management.
- Future Growth Platform: New PubCo is positioned to leverage six years of operational experience to acquire additional land and royalty interests across the Central Basin Platform, further driving expansion and value creation in the energy sector.
See More
Permian Basin Royalty Trust Proposes Merger with Blackbeard Holdings
- Significant Stock Surge: Shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) jumped 7% to an all-time high following the announcement of a potential merger with Blackbeard Holdings, indicating strong market optimism and investor expectations for future revenue growth.
- New Company Formation Plan: SoftVest, L.P. signed a preliminary agreement to consider the creation of a new public company that would own all assets and operations of the trust along with certain Blackbeard assets, aiming to consolidate resources and enhance market competitiveness.
- Land Asset Integration: The proposed deal includes US Land Guild, expected to hold approximately 66,500 acres of land and a 15% royalty interest, which will provide a stable income source for the new company and strengthen its position in the energy market.
- Production and Price Recovery: PBT reported increased oil production from its Texas properties, with rising oil prices partially offsetting lower natural gas volumes, demonstrating the company's resilience and profitability in the current market environment.
See More
Permian Basin Royalty Trust Proposes Merger with Blackbeard Holdings
- Merger Proposal: SoftVest and Blackbeard Holdings have entered into a preliminary non-binding term sheet proposing a merger of Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) with certain Blackbeard assets to create a new Texas-incorporated, NYSE-listed company.
- Asset Acquisition: The new entity would acquire all assets of PBT and its subsidiary US Land Guild LLC, encompassing approximately 66,500 acres of surface estate and a 15% royalty interest, aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the energy market.
- Equity Structure: Post-merger, former PBT unitholders would own about 58% of the new company, while Blackbeard and its affiliates would hold approximately 42%, ensuring a balanced and collaborative interest among stakeholders.
- Strategic Implications: This merger seeks to address the structural limitations of PBT's existing net profits interest framework, originally established in 1980, and aims to create a modern, durable, and diversified land, royalty, and energy company to adapt to industry changes.
See More
Permian Basin Royalty Trust and Blackbeard Reach Preliminary Agreement
- Preliminary Agreement: The Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) has reached a preliminary non-binding term sheet with SoftVest and Blackbeard Holdings, outlining a potential business combination that could significantly reshape its operational and investment strategies.
- Asset Integration Plan: The new corporation will acquire all Trust assets and Blackbeard's US Land Guild subsidiary, which manages approximately 66,500 acres of land and a 15% royalty interest, potentially enhancing the company's competitive edge in resource management.
- Shareholder Approval Anticipated: The Trustee expects that if the business combination proceeds, it will require approval from a majority of Trust unitholders, which could impact the governance structure and future decision-making processes of the Trust.
- Disclosure and Transparency: The Trustee emphasizes that this announcement is solely for informational purposes and has not participated in the negotiation of the terms, encouraging unitholders to read the full Schedule 13D document to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the merger proposal.
See More
Permian Basin Royalty Trust and Blackbeard Reach Preliminary Agreement
- Preliminary Agreement: The Permian Basin Royalty Trust has reached a preliminary non-binding agreement with SoftVest and Blackbeard Holdings to potentially integrate Trust assets with Blackbeard's, aiming to enhance market competitiveness through the formation of a new corporation.
- Asset Integration Plan: The new corporation will own all Trust assets and US Land Guild, a subsidiary of Blackbeard managing approximately 66,500 acres and a 15% royalty interest, which is expected to strengthen the Trust's asset base and revenue potential.
- Shareholder Approval Requirement: The Trustee anticipates that the proposed business combination will require majority approval from Trust unitholders, based on recent modifications to the Trust's Indenture approved by a court on May 8, 2026, ensuring transparency and legality in the merger process.
- Transparency in Disclosure: This announcement serves to inform Trust unitholders, as the Trustee has not participated in the negotiation of the agreement, encouraging unitholders to read the complete Schedule 13D for further details and context.
See More
SoftVest and Blackbeard Announce Merger Agreement
- Transaction Overview: SoftVest and Blackbeard have entered into a preliminary non-binding term sheet to merge the Permian Basin Royalty Trust with certain Blackbeard assets, forming a new NYSE-listed company, New PubCo, where former PBT unitholders will own approximately 58%, reflecting the significant value of PBT's existing assets.
- Strategic Significance: The transaction aims to address the structural limitations of PBT's existing Net Profits Interest framework by converting it into a cost-free 15% royalty interest, which is expected to generate more predictable and consistent cash flow for unitholders, enhancing financial stability.
- Land Asset Reconstruction: Blackbeard's wholly-owned subsidiary, US Land Guild, will own approximately 66,500 acres, which is anticipated to contribute diversified revenue beyond oil and gas royalties, thereby strengthening the company's asset base.
- Future Growth Platform: New PubCo is positioned to leverage proprietary operating experience accumulated over the past six years to acquire additional surface and royalty interests across the Central Basin Platform, further expanding its business and enhancing market competitiveness.
See More
SoftVest and Blackbeard Announce Merger Intent
- Transaction Overview: SoftVest and Blackbeard have entered into a preliminary non-binding term sheet to merge Permian Basin Royalty Trust with Blackbeard's assets, forming a new NYSE-listed company, New PubCo, with former PBT unitholders owning approximately 58%, reflecting significant value attributed to PBT's asset base.
- Strategic Significance: The transaction aims to address structural limitations of PBT's existing Net Profits Interest framework by converting it into a cost-free 15% royalty interest, which is expected to generate more predictable and consistent cash flow for unitholders, enhancing the company's financial health.
- Land Asset Reconstruction: Blackbeard's wholly-owned subsidiary, US Land Guild, will own approximately 66,500 acres, expected to contribute diversified revenue beyond oil and gas royalties, thereby strengthening the company's competitive edge in resource management.
- Future Growth Platform: New PubCo is positioned to leverage six years of operational experience to acquire additional land and royalty interests across the Central Basin Platform, further driving expansion and value creation in the energy sector.
See More
