Halliburton Cost-Cut Claims Outdo Other Buyers: Real M&A

Of all the megamergers announced this year, Halliburton Co.’s $35 billion takeover of Baker Hughes Inc. is promising the most aggressive cost cuts.

Halliburton, an oilfield-services provider, says it can slash $2 billion after acquiring its similar-sized rival. That’s the biggest estimate of any deal valued at $20 billion or more that’s been announced this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Even deals twice its size -- such as Comcast Corp.’s purchase of Time Warner Cable Inc. and Actavis Plc’s merger with Allergan Inc. -- are projecting fewer synergies.