Houston-based energy investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. LP and Chesapeake Energy Corp., Oklahoma City, (NYSE: CHK) have formed a partnership to invest in mineral interests and overriding royalty interests in key U.S. oil and gas basins.

KKR and Chesapeake will make an initial combined $250-million commitment to the partnership. Chesapeake will contribute 10% of the total commitment and will receive a promoted ownership in the partnership. Both companies will jointly oversee the partnership while Chesapeake will source, acquire and manage the royalty investment opportu- nities. KKR director Robert Antablin said, “Driven predominantly by the recent advancements in unconventional oil and gas technology, we continue to see attractive opportunities to invest behind the domestic exploration and production of oil and gas.

“Royalties represent an important extension of this opportunity set and offer an attractive risk-reward for our investors in the current environment.”

Chesapeake has acquired approximately $900 million in royalties over the past 10 years, according to chief executive Aubrey K. McClendon, and will accelerate the pace of royalties acquisition with this partnership.

KKR is making the investment through its affiliates and KKR Financial Holdings LLC.