Its been a tough A&D year, but the master limited partnership (MLP) is shining. In the oil and gas industry in the past decade, the full potency of MLP buying power has become apparent with E&P transactions gathering strength. Since 2011, about 50 transactions worth roughly $13 billion have filled the ledgers -- and that doesnt include Linn Energy LLC's $4.3-billion deal to acquire Berry Petroleum Co.