SM Energy Company (SM) is in advanced discussions to acquire XCL Resources, a leading oil and gas producer based in Utah, per a report by Bloomberg.The potential deal, valued at $3 billion, is expected to be announced in the coming days. XCL Resources is currently backed by EnCap Investments, a private equity firm specializing in the energy sector.The buyout aligns with a trend of mergers and acquisitions in the oil and gas industry, wherein cash-rich operators seek to expand and rejuvenate their drilling i ...