TLD 054 - Inside Due Diligence: The Real Work Behind Energy Deals with Kyle Dubiel & Bryce Winters The Land Department 054 | Interview

Date Published:

October 30, 2025

Guests

Kyle Dubiel

Bryce Winters

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Two industry experts break down the complete oil and gas M&A due diligence process from both buyer and broker perspectives. Kyle Dubiel from Eagle Mountain and Bryce Winters from Dudley Land Company walk through everything from pre-bid VDR evaluation to post-close integration, sharing real-world insights on team mobilization, defect identification, and timeline management.

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What You’ll Learn

How to structure and scope due diligence teams for maximum efficiency
The critical importance of allocated value schedules in PSA negotiations
Why most defects come from material contracts, not title issues
Best practices for VDR organization and early deal evaluation
How to balance diligence speed with thoroughness under tight deadlines

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Time Stamps

00:55 - Episode Intro

02:23 - The Phases of Due Diligence

04:15 - Understanding the Due Diligence Process

09:10 - Evaluating Assets and Marketed Deals

31:21 - Budgeting and Diligence Timeline

31:46 - Allocation of Value in Bidding

34:49 - Financing and Bank Allocated Value Schedules

36:45 - Organizing Due Diligence Workflow

40:58 - Handling Title Defects and Material Contracts

42:44 - Defect Thresholds and Deductibles

47:10 - Importance of Consents and Preferences

49:53 - Due Diligence Workbooks and Team Structure

59:44 - Post-Close Organizational Efforts

01:03:40 - Final Thoughts and Best Practices

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Snippets from the Episode

“Due diligence is the Taco Bell of land work. It's great when you go into it, but by the time you're done, you say you'll never do that again."— Brent Broussard
"The bulk of our defects are found in consents and contracts. That's where almost everything comes from."— Bryce Winters
"You're trying to do something in 30 days that it took a company years to put together."— Brent Broussard
"Communication is key. If you can do that with whoever you're working with, you're gonna set yourself up for success."— Kyle Dubiel
"The greatest thing about giving your team a heads up is that they think for free—you're not paying 'em on the clock."— Brent Broussard

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Key Takeaways

Early Communication Prevents Timeline Disasters
Material Contracts Drive Most Modern Title Defects
Allocated Value Schedules Determine Team Structure
VDR Quality Signals Asset Management Competency
Defect Thresholds Require Strategic Portfolio Thinking
Post-Close Organization Maximizes Diligence Investment
Clear Objectives Lists Keep Teams Focused

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Resources

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Have Questions? Email us

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Connect With Us

Ready to protect your land projects with integrated legal and title support? Our Dudley Select Title division works seamlessly with experienced oil and gas counsel to keep your deals on track and defensible. Contact us to learn how our complete energy partnership approach includes the legal expertise that matters when stakes are high.

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