Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is advising Metalmark Capital in connection with its partnering with US Infrastructure LP to acquire Gastar Exploration’s majority interest in the Hilltop Resort Gathering System.

The Hilltop Resort Gathering System extends through Robertson and Leon Counties, Texas, with a gathering capacity of 120 million cubic feet of natural gas per day and is connected to Gastar-operated wells, that produce from the prolific middle and lower Bossier and Knowles formations in East Texas. US Infrastructure is a growth-oriented independent midstream energy partnership that was recently formed to acquire, develop and operate natural gas midstream infrastructure, including natural gas-gathering and processing assets. Metalmark Capital is a leading private equity firm whose principals have a long track record of successful investing in targeted sectors, with particular focus and competence in energy and natural resources, industrials and health care.

The Davis Polk corporate team includes partner John A. Bick and associates Paul D. Hodgdon and Pritesh P. Shah. The credit team includes partner Joseph P. Hadley and associates Norberto E. Quintana and Adam J. Ross (not yet admitted). Partner Gail A. Flesher and associate Elisabeth Mountainspring are providing environmental advice. Counsel John T. Wright and associate Gillian Emmett Moldowan are providing benefits advice. Partner William H. Weigel of the New York office and associate M. Ryan LaRosa of the Menlo Park office are providing tax advice. Austin D. Brown is the legal assistant on the transaction. Except as noted above, all members of the Davis Polk team are based in the New York office.