Houston - The Norwegian oil company, Statoil, has launched a takeover bid for the American company, Brigham Exploration for $4.4 billion, thereby  strengthening its position in the shale gas business. The operation will guarantee the Norwegian group access to 1,500 square kilometers in the Williston basin area where the enormous deposits of Bakken and Three Folks, in North Dakota and Montana are located. This agreement "represents a significant moment for Statoil," said CEO Helge Lund, "because it allows us to become a leading player in the onshore oil and gas industry in the USA."