Macau Property Share News (MPO)

March 19 (Reuters) - Oil and gas producer SandRidge EnergyInc said on Monday it rejected smaller rival MidstatesPetroleum Co Inc's offer to buy the company in anall-stock deal.

SandRidge, however, said it would explore strategic options,including divestment or joint venture opportunities at its NorthPark Basin assets.

Oklahoma-based Midstates Petroleum, backed by activistshareholder Fir Tree Partners, had offered to buy SandRidge lastmonth, after activist shareholder Carl Icahn scupperedSandRidge's plans to buy Bonanza Creek Energy Inc.(Reporting by John Benny in Bengaluru; Editing by ShounakDasgupta)