Warren Buffett-backed Mitsubishi Corporation has agreed to acquire US gas producer Aethon Energy for $7.5 billion. The deal significantly expands the Japanese trading house's footprint in North American natural gas production, a sector experiencing renewed investor interest.

The acquisition comes as soaring AI data center power demands drive expectations for increased electricity consumption, which in turn requires more reliable energy sources like natural gas for baseload power. This move aligns with Mitsubishi's strategy to secure long-term energy assets amid the global transition.

For Mitsubishi, the purchase bolsters its energy portfolio after years of strategic shifts. Aethon, a private operator focused on the Haynesville and Appalachian basins, provides immediate production scale. The transaction is expected to close in 2025 pending regulatory approvals.