Noble Energy enters Eagle Ford and Permian through acquisition

A definitive merger agreement has been announced by Noble Energy, Inc. and Rosetta Resources Inc. Noble Energy will acquire all of the common stock of Rosetta in an all-stock transaction valued at US$2.1 billion, plus the assumption of Rosetta's net debt of US$1.8 billion as of 31 March 2015. 

Eagle Ford and Permian: premier unconventional resource plays

Dave Stover, Noble Energy's Chairman, CEO, and President stated, "I am excited to announce this strategic transaction which adds two exceptional and material areas to our global portfolio. The Eagle Ford and the Permian are premier unconventional resource plays, two of the most economic in the US, which will expand our resource base and development inventory and further diversify our portfolio. The transaction will be immediately accretive to our per share production, reserves, earnings, and cash flow. Rosetta's team has a strong culture and track record of safe and efficient operations, and we look forward to adding their talents and capabilities to our company. The strengths of the combined assets and people will drive significant value creation for our existing and new shareholders."

Jim Craddock, Rosetta's Chairman, CEO and President, stated, "The combination with Noble Energy brings together two complementary companies with a deep and diverse portfolio of assets in key unconventional resource basins. The deal will accelerate value delivery from our strong asset base, and the all-stock nature of the transaction will allow our shareholders to continue to reap that value growth across commodity price cycles. I have long respected Noble Energy and its management team, which has a strong track record of delivering substantial value to shareholders, both from the US onshore business as well as global offshore exploration and development. I am confident the combined team, strong balance sheet, and premier asset base is poised for further success and shareholder value creation."

Rosetta's asset base

Rosetta's liquids-rich asset base includes approximately 50 000 net acres in the Eagle Ford Shale and 56 000 net acres in the Permian (46 000 acres in the Delaware Basin and 10 000 acres in the Midland Basin). Noble Energy has identified in excess of 1800 gross horizontal drilling locations for development, providing net unrisked resource potential of approximately 1 billion boe.

Rosetta's assets produced 66 000 boe/d in the first quarter of 2015, and year-end 2014 proved reserves were 282 million boe. More than 60% of Rosetta's current production and proved reserves are liquids. Noble Energy anticipates a compounded annual production growth rate from these assets over the next several years of approximately 15%, generating positive free cash flow on an annual basis. 

Agreement terms

Under the definitive agreement, Rosetta shareholders will receive 0.542 of a share of Noble Energy common stock for each share of Rosetta common stock held. Based on the Noble Energy closing price on 8 May 2015, the transaction has an implied value to Rosetta shareholders of US$26.62 per share, representing a 28% premium to the average price of Rosetta stock over the last 30 trading days. Following the transaction, shareholders of Rosetta are expected to own 9.6% of the outstanding shares of Noble Energy. 

The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the terms of the agreement, and Rosetta's board has recommended that its shareholders approve the transaction. Completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the Rosetta shareholders and certain regulatory approvals and customary conditions. The transaction is expected to close in 3Q15.

Adapted from press release by Cecilia Rehn  

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/12052015/noble-energy-enters-eagle-ford-and-permian-through-acquisition-of-rosetta-resources/