Schlumberger Limited.

Schlumberger NV <SLB.N> on Friday outlined an aggressive cost-cutting plan for its North American operations as the world's largest oilfield service firm contends with sharp declines in U.S. shale activity.

Schlumberger NV reported a 9.4% rise in adjusted quarterly profit on Friday, as buoyant demand in international markets helped the world's largest oilfield services provider make up for lower drilling activity in North America.

Schlumberger, Halliburton Co and Baker Hughes Co have kicked off the new year by putting units up for sale, as the three largest names in oilfield services seek to reshape their businesses and adjust to falling demand.

* Slowing growth could spur takeovers of smaller shale players -Papa

Schlumberger NV <SLB.N> Chief Financial Officer Simon Ayat is stepping down after nearly 12 years in the role and will be replaced by second-in-command Stephane Biguet, the top oilfield services provider said on Tuesday.

Oilfield services provider Schlumberger NV said on Tuesday its Chief Financial Officer Simon Ayat will step down in January 2020 after spending nearly 12 years in the role.

Schlumberger NV's <SLB.N> new chief executive wielded an axe to the company's asset-heavy businesses, taking a $12.7 billion charge in the face of weaker shale drilling and sliding profits.

Oilfield services provider Schlumberger NV on Friday reported a quarterly loss, compared with a profit a year earlier, as it recorded a goodwill impairment charge of over $12 billion.

Schlumberger NV's newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer Olivier Le Peuch on Wednesday outlined his vision for the world's largest oilfield services company, vowing to exit unprofitable businesses, restructure some units and focus on returns.

Schlumberger NV Chief Executive officer Olivier Le Peuch said on Wednesday the world's largest oilfield service provider would look to sell or exit businesses that do not meet its profit goals, less than two months after taking the top job.

Oilfield firm Schlumberger NV <SLB.N> on Friday named Chief Operating Officer Olivier Le Peuch as chief executive as the company looks to shore up its world-leading position in oil and gas technology services.

Schlumberger NV reported a 14.4% increase in quarterly profit on Friday, as demand in international markets helped the world's largest oilfield services provider counter weakness in North America.

Schlumberger NV said on Friday Chief Operating Officer Olivier Le Peuch will replace longtime Chief Executive Officer Paal Kibsgaard, as the top oilfield services provider bets on a technology expert to steer it back to its strengths in high-tech equipment.

Oilfield services bellwether Schlumberger NV on Friday is forecast to post modestly higher profits for its second quarter, but investors will be listening closely to what tech expert Olivier Le Peuch has to say about its future direction.

Saudi Arabia’s Industrialization and Energy Services Company (TAQA) said on Sunday its drilling subsidiary, Arabian Drilling Company, has agreed to buy Schlumberger's Middle East onshore drilling rigs business in Kuwait, Oman, Iraq and Pakistan for $415 million.

Oilfield service provider Halliburton Co said on Monday it expects international offshore spending to rise 14 percent in 2019, double the estimates given by sector leader Schlumberger NV for international markets overall.

Khobar-based Arabian Drilling Company (ADC) will acquire the Saudi drilling business of Schlumberger, news publication Al Maaal reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

Oilfield services provider Schlumberger NV on Thursday forecast rising international and offshore exploration spending this year, after posting a 20 percent drop in first-quarter profit due to weak North American demand.

Top oilfield services provider Schlumberger NV reported a 19.8 percent fall in quarterly profit on Thursday, hit by weak demand for its equipment and services from oil producers under pressure to rein in spending.