Coming on the back of a strong 2012, the Houston-based oilfield services company has highlighted the Middle East as one of its main growth regions for the coming year.

Schlumberger announced late last month its 4Q12 results, posting a strong set of figures owing largely to high growth in its exploration and development activities in international areas. This period proved more challenging for the company’s North American operations however, where its results were negatively impacted by both lower than expected activity in Canada, and an 8% fall in its US land rig count relative to 3Q12. (CONTINUED - 810 WORDS)