23 Dec 2010 13:00

23 December 2010
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FORTUNE OIL PLC
("Fortune Oil" or the "Company")
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Restructuring Natural Gas Business
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Fortune Oil has entered into a conditional agreement to sell its indirect 51% equity interest in Henan Fortune Green Energy Development Co Ltd ("HFGE"), a company that is engaged in natural gas and liquefied natural gas operations in China, to Henan Green Energy Group Holding Company Ltd ("Green Energy Group") which owns the remaining 49% equity interest. The consideration for the sale is RMB 154 million (£14.9 million) payable in cash by 31 March 2011 resulting in a pre-tax gain on disposal of approximately RMB 45 million (£4.4 million).
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In addition, the inter-company loan between Fortune Oil and HFGE will be purchased by Green Energy Group at par plus accrued interest in the amount of RMB 96 million (£9.3 million). Should Green Energy Group fail to make the payment of RMB 154 million (£14.9 million) by 31 March 2011, Fortune Oil has an option to purchase Green Energy Group's 49% equity interest for the same consideration.Â
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HFGE had gross assets of £43.2 million as at 31 December 2009 and generated a profit before tax of £3.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2009.
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The funds realised in the amount of RMB 250 million (£24.2 million) will be utilised for the further development of the natural gas business.
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As a result of the Green Energy Group owning 49% of the issued shares of HFGE it is a Related Party for the purposes of the UK Listing Rules and the transaction is a Related Party transaction. Accordingly, for the sale to occur, Fortune Oil is required to issue a circular to all shareholders and to obtain shareholder approval in a General Meeting. The Company expects to post the circular to shareholders in February 2011.
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Fortune Oil is in the process of restructuring and rationalizing its Natural Gas business to drive financial performance with the aim of increasing shareholder value.
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For further details:
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Fortune Oil PLC Tee Kiam Poon Premal Shah | Â Tel: 00 852 2583 3125 Tel: 00 852 2583 3120 Â |
Pelham Bell Pottinger Archie Berens / Zoe Sanders | Â Tel: 020 7861 3112 |
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