GableGotwals advised Integrated Utility Services (IUS) in its acquisition of Paragon Industries, a long-standing Oklahoma-based manufacturer of high‑quality steel pipe products, through a Chapter 11 restructuring process, preserving a strategic domestic steel pipe manufacturing platform and positioning the company for long-term growth.

July 16, 2026 | GableGotwals recently advised Integrated Utility Services (IUS) in its acquisition of Paragon Industries, a long-standing Oklahoma-based manufacturer of high‑quality steel pipe products.

The Houston-based IUS – owned and led by Tulsa natives Trinity Dawson, Co-founder, President & CEO, and Dustin Ketchum, Co-founder & Executive Vice President – acquired substantially all of the assets of Paragon Industries through a Chapter 11 restructuring process, preserving a strategic domestic steel pipe manufacturing platform and positioning the company for long-term growth.

The transaction provides the capital, operational expertise, and industry relationships necessary to restart operations, retain and create jobs, and re-establish Paragon as a leading supplier of high-quality steel pipe products to energy, utility, infrastructure, and industrial customers throughout North America.

The transactional team was led by Shareholders Nathan H. Atkins, Stephen W. Lake, Jeffrey D. Hassell,  Sidney K. Swinson, and James M. Scears, who provided tax support, with assistance from associate, Francesca A. Walentynowicz. 

Click here to view the official press release.

About GableGotwals

GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys and 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

Ranked Band 1 in Corporate/Commercial and Energy & Natural Resources by Chambers USA, 2026, with clients stating “GableGotwals is a full-service firm which provides excellent communication and a strong team.”

June 29, 2026 | GableGotwals is pleased to announce the return of Motahareh H. Nickel to the Firm’s Oklahoma City office, where she will serve as Of Counsel.

Motahareh’s practice focuses on general corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, commercial agreements, real estate, and regulatory matters, with experience across a broad range of industries, including energy and aviation.

Prior to rejoining the Firm, Motahareh served as Corporate Counsel for a large company headquartered in Oklahoma City with operations throughout the United States, where she advised a diverse portfolio of business units and supported corporate development initiatives, including acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. She also supported operations, fleet, and finance functions through the negotiation of commercial agreements and the delivery of strategic day-to-day business counsel.

“We are thrilled to welcome Motahareh back to GableGotwals,” said Amy Stipe, Managing Shareholder of GableGotwals’ Oklahoma City office. “Her in-house experience, transactional background, and familiarity with the Firm make her a valuable addition to our team and an asset to our clients as we continue to grow in Oklahoma City and across the Firm.”

Prior to her in-house role, Motahareh’s experience at GableGotwals included advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, syndicated lending transactions, and the acquisition, sale, financing, and operation of energy, gaming, and other business assets. She also participated in protest hearings before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

About GableGotwals
GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys and 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

May, 14 2026 | By: Thomas J. Hutchison

Closing an energy transaction is not the finish line, it is the beginning of a new phase of risk. Post-closing disputes are common in energy deals, often arising from purchase price adjustments, title defects, environmental liabilities, and operational misalignment. This Alert highlights where disputes arise and how thoughtful structuring can mitigate exposure. recently presented at GableGotwals’ Annual Energy Market Drivers and Current Legal Issues Seminar.

1. Purchase Price Adjustments Are a Frequent Source of Conflict

• Post-closing true-ups are standard, but often contentious.
• Disputes typically stem from:
  • Differing accounting methodologies
  • Working capital calculations
  • Ambiguities in the purchase agreement
• Mitigation tip: Clearly define adjustment mechanics and align accounting principles upfront to reduce ambiguity

2. Title Defects Require Precision in Drafting and Diligence

• Energy deals rely heavily on detailed title frameworks, including:
  • Definitions of “Defensible Title” and “Permitted Encumbrances”
  • Thresholds, deductibles, and valuation methodologies
• Pre-closing diligence is critical, but post-closing remedies are often limited to special warranty protections for a defined period
• Mitigation tip: Ensure purchase and sale agreements (PSAs) clearly outline defect remedies, timelines, and valuation methods

3. Environmental Liabilities Can Be Underestimated

• Known environmental issues are typically addressed through:
  • Specific indemnities
  • Purchase price adjustments
• Unknown risks present greater challenges:
  • Representations and warranties may be narrowly scoped
  • Buyers may face limited recourse without robust protections
• Mitigation tip: Accurately quantify remediation costs and negotiate flexibility to exclude high-risk assets

4. Post-Closing Operations Can Trigger Disputes Quickly

• Common friction points include:
  • Misallocated revenues and expenses
  • Ineffective “true-up” mechanisms
  • Delays in redirecting payments from third parties
• Overlapping remedies can further complicate resolution
• Mitigation tip: Establish clear operational transition protocols and avoid duplicative or conflicting remedies

5. Transition Services Agreements (TSAs) Offer Limited Protection

• TSAs are often:
  • Narrow in scope
  • Limited in enforceability (e.g., gross negligence standards)
• Practical risks include:
  • Lack of continuity if key personnel are unavailable post-closing
• Mitigation tip: Confirm operational readiness and do not over-rely on TSAs for critical business functions.

The Bottom Line

Energy M&A deals do not end at closing. Without careful structuring, diligence, and post-closing planning, routine provisions can evolve into costly disputes. Companies that proactively address these risks ― through precise drafting, realistic valuations, and operational alignment — are better positioned to protect deal value and avoid litigation.

If you have any questions, please contact any member of GableGotwals’ Energy, Oil & Gas team.

This series covers topics featured during GableGotwals’ Annual Energy Market Drivers and Current Legal Issues Seminar. To receive Alerts and information on future Firm events, subscribe to our mailing list.

Thomas J. Hutchison
918-595-4858
thutchison@gablelaw.com

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. The information provided should not be taken as an indication of future legal results; any information provided should not be acted upon without consulting legal counsel.

GableGotwals advised Boardwalk Pipelines, LP, in its acquisition of Spire Marketing Inc., a gas marketing business unit, from Spire Inc. The acquisition marks a significant step in advancing Boardwalk’s long-term growth strategy by expanding its presence across the natural gas value chain.

March 31, 2026 | GableGotwals recently advised Boardwalk Pipelines, LP, in its acquisition of Spire Marketing Inc., a gas marketing business unit, from Spire Inc. The acquisition marks a significant step in advancing Boardwalk’s long-term growth strategy by expanding its presence across the natural gas value chain, enhancing marketing capabilities and customer reach, and increasing flexibility and connectivity for customers while supporting the evolving demands of America’s energy market. Click here to read the full press release.

The transactional team consisted of Stephen W. Lake, Douglas J. May, Jeffrey D. Hassell, James M. Scears (who provided tax advice), and Bailey Barnes.

About Boardwalk Pipelines, LP

Boardwalk Pipelines, LP (“Boardwalk”) delivers reliable energy by connecting natural gas supply with the markets and communities that depend on it. Through an integrated network of interstate and intrastate pipelines and underground storage assets, Boardwalk supports energy reliability, market connectivity, and long-term value creation across the United States, including the Gulf Coast, Midwest, and Southeast. Boardwalk is committed to operating‑safely, reliably, and responsibly while evolving its capabilities to better serve customers in a dynamic and increasingly complex energy market. Learn more at bwpipelines.com.

About GableGotwals

GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys and 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

November 6, 2025 | Best Lawyers®, for the 15th consecutive year, announced the “Best Law Firms” rankings. GableGotwals is ranked in the 2026 list regionally in 55 practice areas. Firms in the “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.

GableGotwals received the following rankings:

Metropolitan Tier 1

Oklahoma City

• Administrative / Regulatory Law
• Bet-the-Company Litigation
• Commercial Litigation
• Construction Law
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Energy Law
• Insurance Law
• Litigation – Banking & Finance
• Litigation – Environmental
• Litigation – Insurance
• Litigation – Real Estate
• Litigation – Securities
• Litigation – Trusts & Estates
• Oil & Gas Law
• Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Tulsa

• Appellate Practice
• Arbitration (NEW)
• Banking and Finance Law
• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Bet-the-Company Litigation
• Commercial Litigation
• Copyright Law
• Corporate Law
• Energy Law
• Family Law
• Gaming Law
• Health Care Law
• Insurance Law
• Land Use & Zoning Law
• Litigation – Banking & Finance
• Litigation – Bankruptcy
• Litigation – ERISA
• Litigation – Patent
• Litigation – Real Estate
• Litigation – Trusts & Estates
• Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants (NEW)
• Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Native American Law
• Natural Resources Law
• Oil & Gas Law
• Patent Law
• Real Estate Law
• Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Technology Law
• Trademark Law
• Trust & Estates Law

Metropolitan Tier 2

Oklahoma City

• Banking and Finance Law
• Corporate Governance Law
• Corporate Law
• Government Relations Practice
• Health Care Law
• Litigation – Bankruptcy
• Litigation – ERISA
• Litigation – Mergers & Acquisitions
• Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
• Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Tulsa

• Corporate Compliance Law
• Corporate Governance Law
• Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Employment Law – Management
• Labor Law – Management
• Litigation – Environmental
• Litigation – First Amendment
• Litigation – Health Care
• Litigation – Insurance
• Litigation – Labor and Employment (NEW)
• Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
• Mediation (NEW)
• Privacy and Data Security Law
• Securities Regulation

Metropolitan Tier 3

Houston

• Commercial Litigation

Oklahoma City

• Native American Law

Tulsa

• Litigation – Intellectual Property