Santos announces sale of non-core Asian assets to Ophir Energy

The sale will result in Santos making country exits from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

The assets sold to Ophir include the following interests:

• 31.875% in the Block 12W PSC (Chim Sáo and Dua oil fields), Vietnam;
• 67.5% in the Madura Offshore PSC (Maleo and Peluang gas fields), Indonesia;
• 45% in the Sampang PSC (Oyong and Wortel gas fields), Indonesia;
• 20% in the Deepwater Block R PSC (Bestari oil discovery), Malaysia;
• 45% in the SS-11 PSC, Bangladesh;
• 50% in Block 123 PSC and 40% in Block 124 PSC, Vietnam.

Santos’ 50% interest in the North West Natuna PSC (Ande Ande Lumut) oil development in Indonesia is not included in the transaction package, with the intention that the company will exit this asset separately.

All Santos employees associated with these assets will transfer to Ophir as part of the sale.

The producing assets sold are relatively late-life and are not prioritised for capital in the Santos portfolio. Santos’ share of production from the assets in the first quarter of 2018 was 1.4 million boe.

Under the terms of the sale, the transaction will have an effective date of 1 January 2018. Completion is expected in the second half of 2018 and is subject to customary consents and approvals for a transaction of this nature. Completion is also subject to approval by Ophir shareholders as required under London Stock Exchange regulations, expected to take place in June 2018.

Santos Managing Director and CEO, Kevin Gallagher, said: “The sale of the Asian assets further delivers on our undertaking to simplify our business and focus on our five core long-life natural gas assets in Australia and Papua New Guinea.”

“We have always believed the Asian assets are a quality portfolio and are pleased to achieve an attractive outcome for our shareholders. Santos will work with Ophir to ensure a smooth transition, including the transfer of all the Santos employees to Ophir.”

Proceeds from the sale will be applied to further reduce Santos’ net debt, which stood at US$2.5 billion at the end of March 2018.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/03052018/santos-announces-sale-of-non-core-asian-assets/