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CNOOC Limited Enters Into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Nexen Inc.
édité le 23/07/2012
CNOOC Limited and Nexen Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which CNOOC Limited will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Nexen for US$27.50 per share in cash.
The purchase price represents a premium of 61% to the closing price of Nexen's common shares on the NYSE on July 20, 2012, and a premium of 66% to Nexen's 20 trading-day volume-weighted average share price. Total cash consideration of approximately US$15.1 billion will be paid for Nexen's common and preferred shares, and Nexen's current debt of approximately US$4.3 billion will remain outstanding. The transaction, which will be completed by way of a plan of arrangement, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.
The acquisition of Nexen expands CNOOC Limited's overseas businesses and resource base in order to deliver long-term, sustainable growth. Nexen will complement CNOOC Limited's large offshore production footprint in China and extends CNOOC Limited's global presence with a high-quality asset base in many of the world's most significant producing regions – including Western Canada, the U.K. North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Nigeria – focused on conventional oil and gas, oil sands and shale gas. In addition, Nexen management's current mandate will be expanded to include all of CNOOC Limited's North American and Caribbean assets.
Nexen had average production of 207 mboe/d (after royalties) in Q2 2012. In accordance with SEC rules, Nexen had 900 mmboe of proved reserves and 1,122 mmboe of probable reserves as of December 31, 2011. In addition, as of December 31, 2011, Nexen had best estimate contingent resources of 5.6 billion boe in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 51-101, predominantly in the Canadian oil sands.
The transaction will be funded by CNOOC Limited's existing cash resources and external financing.
Mr. Wang Yilin, Chairman of CNOOC Limited said, "The acquisition reflects our strong belief in Nexen's rich and diverse portfolio of assets and world-class management and employees. This is an exciting opportunity for us to build on our existing joint venture relationship with Nexen in Canada, and to acquire a leading international platform in the process. We strongly believe that this acquisition will create long-term value for CNOOC Limited's shareholders."
Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Barry Jackson, Chairman of the Board of Nexen, said, "This transaction delivers significant and immediate value to Nexen shareholders. The Nexen Board is unanimous in its view that the transaction is in the best interest of Nexen and recommends shareholders vote in favor of the transaction."
Benefits to Canada
CNOOC Limited has been a significant investor in Canada since 2005, with total capital invested of C$2.8 billion. These investments include a stake in MEG Energy Inc. (www.megenergy.com), OPTI Canada Inc. (Nexen's partner in the Long Lake steam assisted gravity drainage production facilities ("SAGD") and Upgrader), and a 60% interest in Northern Cross (Yukon) Limited (www.northerncrossyukon.ca).
In connection with this transaction and also to demonstrate its commitment to Canada and the Canadian oil and gas industry, CNOOC Limited intends to carry out a number of plans including the following:
• Following completion of the transaction, CNOOC Limited plans to establish Calgary as the head office of its North and Central American operations. This head office will be responsible for operating and growing Nexen's assets in North and South America, Europe and West Africa and CNOOC Limited's portfolio in Canada, the U.S. and Central America.
• CNOOC Limited intends to retain Nexen's current management team and employees.
• CNOOC Limited will implement and enhance Nexen's current planned capital expenditure program, thereby investing significant capital in Canada and in Nexen's other international assets. CNOOC Limited brings greater financial capacity to better realize the full potential of Nexen's significant resource base.
• CNOOC Limited intends to list its common shares on the TSX.
• CNOOC Limited has a strong track record of outstanding corporate citizenship and social responsibility in Canada and the other jurisdictions around the world in which it operates. Consistent with its commitment to social responsibility, CNOOC Limited will build upon Nexen's existing and highly regarded community and charitable programs, particularly with respect to First Nations and local communities.
• Additionally, CNOOC Limited will continue to support oil sands research at Alberta universities and participate in the Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance ("COSIA").
More information on CNOOC Limited's global commitments to social responsibility can be found at /encnoocltd/default.shtml.
Mr. Li Fanrong, Chief Executive Officer of CNOOC Limited, said, "We believe the transaction provides a number of significant benefits to Canada and to Nexen. CNOOC Limited looks forward to welcoming all of Nexen's employees to its worldwide team, and we will clearly benefit from having Nexen employees play an important part in our international business growth platform. In addition, the transaction is a reflection of our disciplined M&A strategy which is focused on resources, risk and return."
Mr. Kevin Reinhart, interim Chief Executive Officer of Nexen, said, "CNOOC Limited is one of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in the world. This transaction will allow for significant investment in our business and opens the door to new opportunities for our employees."
Benefits to U.K., U.S. and Other Countries
Nexen's assets in the U.K., U.S. and other countries will continue to be managed from its regional offices, and CNOOC Limited will retain the current management and employees in those operations as well as continue to work with local suppliers.
CNOOC Limited is committed to Nexen's assets in the U.K., including current investment plans for the maintenance and development of all producing, development and exploration assets, including Buzzard and Golden Eagle, with opportunities for continued cooperation with U.K.-based suppliers. In the U.S., investments in exploration and development in the Gulf of Mexico will be maintained. In Nigeria, CNOOC Limited will continue Nexen's partnership in the Usan project and maintain its active development, appraisal and exploration drilling campaign on Nexen's Nigerian acreage. In all of these offshore areas, CNOOC Limited brings to the Nexen team supporting expertise based on its 30 year track record of offshore exploration and development. Nexen's other international activities will be maintained as planned.
Origine : Communiqué CNOOC |
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