What happened Shares of Roan Resources (NYSE: ROAN) skyrocketed nearly 40% by 10:30 a.m. EDT on Monday. The surge came after the STACK-focused driller disclosed that multiple parties are interested in doing a deal with the company. So what Roan Resources said that it had received several unsolicited indications of interest to purchase the company. On top of that, others have inquired about potential in-basin consolidation opportunities. Roan's board responded by forming a committee to evaluate a possible sale or merger of the company and plans to hire an investment bank to assist it with the process. Image source: Getty Images. The company currently controls more than 170,000 net acres in the heart of Oklahoma's STACK shale play. Roan has drilled several highly productive wells in the region, including 15 during the fourth quarter that have produced an average of 1,036 barrels of oil equivalent per day over their first 120 days. The company's large, undeveloped acreage position and strong well results make it an attractive acquisition target. The interest in the company comes shortly after the unexpected departure of its CEO Tony Maranto, who resigned for personal reasons. While Roan is looking for a replacement, it could opt for a sale or merger instead of finding someone to lead the stand-alone company. Now what Mergers and acquisitions activity in the oil patch has started picking up thanks to higher oil prices. While there's no guarantee that Roan will find an acceptable deal, it controls prime drillable land attractive to rivals in the region. Because of that, there's a high probability the company will strike a deal, especially since it's currently without a CEO. 10 stocks we like better than Roan Resources, Inc.When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has quadrupled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Roan Resources, Inc. wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of March 1, 2019Matthew DiLallo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Source