InterOil sells downstream businesses

In a bid to focus on its upstream and LNG business, InterOil Corporation has announced the sale of companies that hold its Papua New Guinea oil refinery and petroleum products distribution businesses to Singapore-based Puma Energy Group Pte for US$ 525.6 million, which includes adjustments for cash and working capital.

InterOil’s downstream businesses include the Napa Napa refinery in Port Moresby that processes about 28 000 bbl/d, 52 service stations, and 30 fuel depots, terminals and aviation sites.

The sale ensures the transition to Puma Energy of all InterOil staff who are employed in the refinery and downstream businesses.

InterOil Chief Operating Officer Jon Ozturgut noted that the sale followed an unsolicited approach from Puma Energy and a strategic review by InterOil of options for the best allocation of capital. “For the past 10 years, the refinery and distribution businesses have contributed to InterOil’s business model and Papua New Guinea’s development,” he said. “However, our upstream and LNG business has become core to the company’s growth and, as a result of the success we have had in discovering and monetizing gas, the time is right to focus on this part of our business. The transaction immediately provides additional capital to fund our upstream and LNG business. We believe this is in the best interests of Papua New Guinea and our shareholders.”

Continued support

Mr. Ozturgut said Puma Energy ensured that Papua New Guinea would continue to support the growth of downstream business operations: “We believe Puma Energy is the right company to take over, invest in and grow the downstream and refining businesses for the long-term benefit of Papua New Guinea,” he said.

InterOil’s Chief Financial Officer, Don Spector, said the banks’ response was pleasing, with expressions of interest well in excess of the final amount.As a condition of the sale, Puma Energy may use the InterOil downstream brand for up to 12 months.

Puma Energy and InterOil will begin the handover of operations and transition of staff immediately.

BNP Paribas and BSP Capital acted as financial advisors to InterOil. Gadens acted as legal advisor to InterOil. King & Wood Mallesons acted as legal advisor to Puma Energy.

Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/30062014/interoil_sells_downstream_businesses_to_puma_to_focus_on_lng_and_upstream_880/