The Shape of the New Oil Industry

-- BRITISH PETROLEUM, EXXON, ROYAL DUTCH/SHELL GROUP Technologically savvy companies that are leaders in implementing advanced technology such as subsea wells and catalysts

-- APACHE, BURLINGTON RESOURCES, NEWFIELD EXPLORATION, UNION PACIFIC RESOURCES Fast-expanding independents that are taking a bigger role in offshore and international exploration and drilling

-- COASTAL, MOBIL, PENNZOIL Middle-tier majors and integrated domestics that need to add the expertise or scale to invigorate their businesses as the industry consolidates

-- AMOCO, CONOCO, PHILLIPS PETROLEUM, UNION TEXAS PETROLEUM, UNOCAL Companies that are exploiting strong niches in areas such as chemicals, natural gas, exploration and production, and refining

DATA: BUSINESS WEEK