Providence Resources P.l.c., (“Providence”) the Irish oil and gas exploration and production company, whose shares are quoted in London (AIM) and Dublin (ESM), announces the immediate sale of its US oil and gas portfolio in the Gulf of Mexico to Dynamic Offshore Resources LLC (“Dynamic”) for a consideration of up to $22 million.
The consideration comprises an initial cash payment of $15 million, and potentially an additional $7 million deferred cash payment. This deferred cash payment is dependent on Dynamic reaching certain production levels from any new wells drilled on Ship Shoal 252, 253 and 267 prior to January 2013. Total current production from Providence’s Gulf of Mexico portfolio amounts to c. 700 BOEPD.
The proceeds of the sale, which closed on 31st March, 2011, are to be applied to a reduction of the Company’s Reserve Backed Lending Facility with BNP Paribas. The sale will result in the impairment of the carrying value of the assets, and will necessitate a non-cash write-off to be taken in Providence’s 2010 accounts. CIBC World Markets Plc acted as exclusive financial adviser to Providence on this transaction.
Commenting, Mr. Tony O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Providence said :
“Whilst the production from the Gulf of Mexico has played an important role in the development of the Company over the past 3 years, it is now less material going forward. With our major multi-year, multi-basin drilling programme offshore Ireland starting, combined with our ongoing investment programme at Singleton, the investment focus for the Company is now very clear. As such, the opportunity to realise cash from the Gulf of Mexico portfolio, and to deleverage the core business, made sense.”
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Source:Providence , April 1, 2011;