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Enterprise CEO Jim Teague said the proposed acquisition offer was pulled because of a “lack of engagement” by Oklahoma-based Williams and because of the increasing rumors about a potential deal. Such rumors began spreading in mid-August, just more than a month after the $33 billion deal for Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners to buy Williams fell apart from buyer’s remorse.

“We, therefore, have withdrawn our non-binding proposals,” Teague said in a prepared statement. “While we are disappointed, we will maintain our financial discipline as we pursue future growth opportunities for the (Enterprise) partnership.”

Enterprise is not saying how big its offer was to acquire Williams.

The news comes during a larger trend of consolidations within the North American pipeline sector. Canada-based Enbridge agreed this week to buy Houston’s Spectra Energy for $28 billion. Likewise, TransCanada recently purchased Houston-based Columbia Pipeline Group for more than $10 billion.

Teague said non-binding acquisition offers were made after an “extensive analysis of public information regarding Williams.”

In a prepared statement, Williams said talks with Enterprise began in July and that the company was engaged in a careful review.

“As such, Williams is surprised by today's announcement from Enterprise,” the statement added. “As always, the board remains open to considering any potential strategic alternative that would maximize value for stockholders.”

Williams is still trying to stabilize itself after the Energy Transfer deal fell apart. Six of Williams’ 13 board members resigned after the deal collapsed when they failed to get Chief Executive Alan Armstrong ousted. Two of the noisiest ones, who manage hedge funds, vowed to continue to fight. Enterprise’s announcement Thursday comes one day after Williams said it is reorganizing into fewer business organizations in order to cut costs and streamline management.