Last checked at 30 Nov 2020 07:00
30 November 2020
Rockhopper Exploration plc
("Rockhopper" or the "Company")
Sea Lion farm-in update
Rockhopper Exploration plc (AIM: RKH), the oil and gas exploration and production company with key interests in the North Falkland Basin, is pleased to provide the following update in relation to the previously announced farm-in to the Sea Lion project by Navitas Petroleum LP ("Navitas").
Following the announcement of the proposed merger of Premier Oil plc ("Premier") and Chrysaor Holdings Limited, Navitas has confirmed that it remains committed to the proposed farm-in. In order to enable the merger to complete and the new management of the combined entity to make a firm decision on the Sea Lion project, Rockhopper, Premier and Navitas have agreed to extend the exclusivity period for the farm-in to the earlier of (i) 30 September 2021; (ii) the execution of definitive transaction documents, or (iii) a decision by Navitas not to proceed with the farm-in. During this period, Rockhopper's share of Sea Lion project costs will continue to be borne by Premier under the same terms as previously announced.
Discussions are also continuing with the Falkland Islands Government around a possible extension to licences PL004 and PL032 which currently expire in May 2021.
Samuel Moody, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"We will work closely with all stakeholders over the coming months to maximise the chance of securing the farm out and project sanction of Sea Lion. We believe that the opportunity to invest in a 500 million barrel fully appraised and engineered project with material additional upside at this point in the cycle presents a compelling opportunity, and one which would lead us towards unlocking the value within the project long-awaited by all stakeholders."
Enquiries:
Rockhopper Exploration plc
Sam Moody - Chief Executive Officer
Stewart MacDonald - Chief Financial Officer
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7390 0234 (via Vigo Communications)
Canaccord Genuity Limited (NOMAD and Joint Broker)
Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor/James Asensio
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7523 8000
Peel Hunt LLP (Joint Broker)
Richard Crichton
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7418 8900
Vigo Communications
Patrick d'Ancona/Ben Simons
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7390 0234
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR").