Vermilion eyes European assets

Vermilion Energy Inc. is more likely to make purchases of European assets than those in Canada and the U.S. in the coming years as the natural gas producer expands its business in countries like Germany, France and Ireland. “The most realistic acquisitions in the next year or two are going to happen in Europe for us,” chief financial officer Curtis Hicks said. Fewer bidders on European assets means lower prices than in North America, he added. The Calgary-based company halted production at some sites in Canada this year as gas prices slumped. At the same time, it has expanded operations in Europe.