Less Ads, More Data, More Tools Register for FREE

Strategy Update

14 Oct 2011 07:00

RNS Number : 1674Q
Nighthawk Energy plc
14 October 2011
 



NIGHTHAWK ENERGY PLC

("Nighthawk" or the "Company")

 

STRATEGY UPDATE

 

 

Nighthawk, the US focused oil development and production company, announces an update on strategy and current activities.

 

The strengthening of the Nighthawk management team and, in particular, the recruitment of Chuck Wilson as Chief Operating Officer has created an operating capability within the Company that the new team intends to utilise to improve production at Jolly Ranch. As a result the Company has recently engaged in discussions with Running Foxes Petroleum Inc. ("Running Foxes"), the operator and 50% working interest partner of the Jolly Ranch project, in relation to the potential acquisition of both its working interest and the operatorship of the project.

 

In seeking to move ahead with the potential acquisition, the Company has undertaken a significant number of meetings with institutional investors to evaluate the potential funding available for the transaction and for a new work program at Jolly Ranch involving workovers of existing wells and new wells. Investor feedback on the Company's strategy has been largely positive, but the current overall market conditions have determined that the acquisition cannot be executed.

 

The Company is proposing to push ahead with the first steps in the new work programme undertaking improvements to existing wells and drilling a number of new wells, commencing in early 2012. The Directors plan that this programme will demonstrate the new operational capabilities of the Company, increase production and establish additional value in the Cherokee shales. The Company is in discussions with Running Foxes over this program, which may involve Nighthawk taking on increased responsibility for the work program and providing the funding.

 

In order to execute the proposed work program, as well as support recent and ongoing costs, which have increased as a result of recent recruitment and the potential acquisition, the Directors are planning an equity fund raising, which is expected to comprise a placing and a pre-emptive open offer to qualifying shareholders. The Directors anticipate that the open offer, which will be conducted at the same price as the placing, will comprise a maximum of €5 million and will provide shareholders with the opportunity to apply for shares in excess of their pro rata entitlement.

 

A further announcement will be made in due course.

 

Steve Gutteridge, Chairman, said: "The new team at Nighthawk continues to see significant potential in Jolly Ranch and is determined to push ahead with our plans to begin unlocking that value in the coming months."

 

 

Enquiries

 

Nighthawk Energy plc

Tim Heeley, Chief Executive

Richard Swindells, Finance Director

 

020 3405 1982

 

Westhouse Securities Limited

Tim Feather

Matthew Johnson

020 7601 6100

tim.feather@westhousesecurities.com

matthew.johnson@westhousesecurities.com

FTI Consulting

Ben Brewerton

Ed Westropp

020 7831 3113

ben.brewerton@fticonsulting.com

edward.westropp@fticonsulting.com

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
MSCQXLFFFBFEFBD

Related Shares

Back to RNS

Due to London Stock Exchange licensing terms, we stipulate that you must be a private investor. We apologise for the inconvenience.

To access our Live RNS you must confirm you are a private investor by using the button below.

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.

Quickpicks are a member only feature

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.