Sapic Energy (CHK.US), one of the largest gas producers in the US, said on Monday local time that after completing the divestiture of oil assets last year, the company plans to begin layoffs this week. Some analysts believe this move may be to prepare for “cost reduction” for future mergers and acquisitions, and to optimize the organizational structure to maximize profits before electricity consumption surges in the AI era. Chesapeake Energy said this week's layoffs followed the divestment of Eagle Ford-related assets, not after the company's impending merger with Southwest Energy (SWN.US). The company did not specify the size or scope of the layoffs.