From the Dallas Morning News, 11/7/.07:

" Royal Dutch Shell PLC officially exited the Barnett Shale on Tuesday, selling its leases and wells in the most active natural gas field in North America to Pioneer Natural Resources Co. for $150 million.

Shell just couldn't crack the North Texas field.

The major oil company was never aggressive enough to outbid smaller rivals for leases or acquisitions, so Shell wasn't able to grow big enough to make the investment worthwhile. ...

Shell and other major oil companies are accustomed to bidding for assets based on how much oil or natural gas the seller can prove is in the ground. Smaller, independent oil companies are willing to make higher bids based on how much natural gas might be in the ground, Mr. Pursell said. "

Entire article here   http://tinyurl.com/3aoxjma