Genel / Hoil 27 Aug 2012 09:10
It has been a busy week for Genel Energy (LON:GENL). On Thursday, the company – which is led by former BP (LON:BP.) boss Tony Hayward - struck a deal to acquire a 60 per cent interest in the Sidi Moussa offshore block, in Morocco, only two days after increasing its interest in the Miran West field in Iraqi Kurdistan.
In the Moroccan deal, Genel is paying US$1.3 upfront in respect of past costs, and importantly it is committing to cover future drilling costs of up to US$50 million.
"We are delighted to have reached this agreement to farm in to the Sidi Moussa Offshore Block, which together with other acquisition activity, is establishing a material position for Genel Energy in Morocco,” said Dr John Hurst, Genel chief operating officer.
“It is consistent with our strategy of building a portfolio of high impact exploration assets within the Middle East and Africa."
Going forward Genel will be the majority partner in the Sidi Moussa venture, with its junior partners Serica Energy (LON:SQZ) owning 5 per cent, San Leon (LON:SLE) with 8.5 per cent and Longreach Oil & Gas (CVE:LOI) owning 1.5 per cent.
In Kurdistan, the company reached a US$156 million deal to buy a further 26 per cent stake in the Miran West gas discovery.
It already owned 25 per cent of the Miran block and it is now taking its stake to 51 per cent through a deal with its venture partner Heritage Oil (LON:HOIL). Genel could ultimately acquire the entire project as part of the deal.