UPDATE 2-Pioneer Natural Resources denies report of acquisition interest

(Recasts with Pioneer denying report of acquisition interest)

Feb 24 (Reuters) -

Oil and gas explorer Pioneer Natural Resources Co said on Friday that it was not pursuing any business combinations, after Bloomberg News reported that the oil and gas explorer was considering an acquisition of smaller U.S. rival Range Resources Corp.

"The Company is not contemplating a significant business combination or other acquisition transaction," Pioneer said in a statement.

Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, had reported that deliberations were ongoing, though there was no certainty the companies would reach an agreement. Bloomberg said that Texas-based Pioneer was seeking further consolidation in the shale industry with the deal.

Range Resources did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Mrinmay Dey; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli, Chris Reese and Leslie Adler)