If Linn Energy were to contribute 50% equity to the deal and assume lower crude oil prices, it could wipe out the earnings benefit of the acquisition, according to the analyst. "On the whole, we view the transaction as a modest positive butmaintain our Market Perform ratings," Satish wrote. Linn Energy's acquisition comes just a day after the company alluded in a cryptic press release that it is making progress on an acquisition of Berry Petroleum ( BRY ). Linn Energy said it has received comments on an amended registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the acquisition and is now working to resubmit a S-4 to the regulator. The disclosure indicates Linn Energy could soon remove big questions hanging over the firm's finances. Linn Energy's shares were battered in July when the company said the SEC was conducting an informal review of its accounting practices and documents related to its proposed merger with Berry Petroleum.