Posted on :Monday , 9th November 2015

Africa Oil Corp. has announced that it has entered into a definitive farmout agreement with a Danish oil and gas company Maersk Oil & Gas A/S, owned by the Maersk Group (“Maersk”) whereby Maersk will acquire 50% of Africa Oil’s interests in Blocks 10BB, 13T and 10BA in Kenya and the Rift Basin and South Omo Blocks in Ethiopia in consideration for reimbursement of a portion of Africa Oil’s past costs and a future carry on certain exploration and development costs.
Under the terms of the farm-out agreement, upon closing of the transaction Maersk will pay Africa Oil US$350 million as reimbursement for approximately 50% of past costs incurred by Africa Oil prior to the agreed March 31, 2015 effective date.

Maersk will also reimburse Africa Oil for its acquired working interest share of costs incurred between the effective date and the closing date.

Commencing on the effective date, Maersk will also carry up to US$75 million of the Company’s share of development expenditures upon confirmation of resources and US$15 million of the Company’s share of exploration expenditures.

“Maersk Oil is committed to pursuing profitable growth by focusing on expanding within our core geographies. In addition we are rebuilding the exploration business with new acreage positions and pre-development discoveries to balance the risk profile in our portfolio. This agreement with Africa Oil is an example of this,” said Maersk Oil CEO Jakob Thomasen.

“As part of the Maersk Group, we are in a position, where we can take advantage of opportunities arising in current market conditions. This investment adds to an already attractive non-operated onshore portfolio for Maersk Oil that includes our 25 year presence in Algeria. This is an important driver of long term value,” Thomasen continued.

In addition, upon Final Investment Decision (FID), Maersk will also carry up to US$405 million of Africa Oil’s working interest share of development expenditures for the Lokichar Development Project.

Africa Oil CEO Keith Hill has termed the farm-out deal as timely saying it will strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

“We believe they bring significant technical, financial and infrastructure development capabilities at a critical time when the Lokichar Development and related pipeline projects are moving towards sanction. Their parent company’s standing as the world’s leading logistical and transportation company will provide benefits not only to the project but to the host countries as well. This transaction allows Africa Oil to keep a significant stake in the project with no additional equity financing expected prior to first oil. The resulting strength of Africa Oil’s balance sheet will allow it to consider additional growth opportunities in this highly attractive acquisition and divestiture market,” he said.

The transaction is subject to host government and applicable regulatory approvals.