Houston-based Noble Energy announced Monday it plans to get into the shale business by acquiring independent producer, Rosetta Resources. The $2.1 billion deal will allow Noble to move into over 100,000 Texas acres including 50,000 in the Eagle Ford.

After months of instability due to low and fluctuating crude prices, this deal is significant because it reveals a renewed confidence in the industry and the tenacity and resilience of U.S. producers. Many also believe it may be a tipping point for future mergers.

Rosetta is a leading producer in the The Eagle Ford and reported 2015 Q1 production at 58.4 MBoe/d, a 17% increase from the same period last year.  Also during the quarter, the company spent $67.8 million for drilling and completion activity: they drilled three wells were drilled, 14 completed and 11 were brought on production.