BUENOS AIRES, April 17 -- Buenos Aires-based Vista Energy has reportedly acquired Petronas' 50 per cent stake in the La Amarga Chica oil field in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale basin for about US$1.5 billion (RM7.1 billion), solidifying its position as a key player in the region.

The second-biggest crude oil producer in the area will pay US$900 million upfront for the stake, with one-third of that sum financed through a loan from Banco Santander SA, while the remainder will be paid in two instalments in 2029 and 2030.

Financial news Bloomberg reported that as part of the deal, Malaysian state oil firm Petronas will also receive a 7 per cent equity stake in Vista, valued at roughly US$300 million.

The acquisition marks Petronas' exit fro...