Chevron will proceed with its $53 billion acquisition of Hess, after it prevailed in a landmark legal battle against larger rival Exxon Mobil to gain access to the largest oil discovery in decades.

Arbitrators cleared the way for the long-delayed $53 billion acquisition after Exxon tried to pre-empt the deal.

The conclusion of the saga removes a stock overhang for Chevron and paved the way for the $53 billion deal to close immediately.