Capricorn21 Jan 2022 21:48
Capricorn Energy has halted legal enforcement actions as it finalises a tax refund worth almost $1.1 billion from the government of India. The oil and gas explorer, which recently changed its name from Cairn Energy, had initiated proceedings in several countries to look at seizing state-owned assets after an award from an international arbitration panel. The company’s lawyers began actions last year to take control of properties in upmarket districts of Paris and aircraft in the United States as there were few signs of India paying up.
However, Indian officials eventually proposed to amend the law in an effort to settle the long-running tax dispute and the company hopes that it will be paid this month. Capricorn, which is based in Edinburgh, has producing assets in Egypt, as well as interests in exploration in other areas including the North Sea and Mexico. According to Capricorn, the withdrawal of its enforcement proceedings marks the final stage in its agreement with India. “Upon its acceptance of the company’s submission that all of those requirements have been satisfied, the government of India will pay the company a tax refund of approximately $1.06 billion,” it said. Analysts from Barclays said it was clear that the dispute with India was “into the final steps”.