Equinor to divest 16% shareholding in Lundin Petroleum

“Since 2016 we have more than doubled the value of our investment in Lundin. This transaction gives us the opportunity to capitalise on this value creation, and at the same time increase our direct ownership in the Johan Sverdrup field,” says Eldar Sætre, President and CEO of Equinor.

Under the terms of the agreements, Equinor will divest around 54.5 million shares in Lundin at a price of SEK 266.4 per share. Total consideration for the divestment of shares in Lundin amounts to around US$1.56 billion. Equinor will acquire a 2.6% direct ownership share in the Equinor-operated Johan Sverdrup field for a cash consideration of US$910 million.

“Johan Sverdrup is truly a world class field. We are on track to start production in November this year, and an increased direct ownership share gives us the opportunity to create even more value for our shareholders,” says Sætre.

Following completion of the transactions, Equinor will have a 42.6% ownership share in the Johan Sverdrup field and own a 4.9% shareholding in Lundin Petroleum.

The agreement includes a contingent payment of up to US$52 million payable to Lundin in 2025 if Johan Sverdrup proves to be at the upper end or above the indicated resource range of 2.2 – 3.2 billion boe. In agreement with Lundin, the transaction is being executed through a total return swap agreement, where the Lundin shares will be acquired by Sparebank1 Markets and subsequently redeemed.

The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including customary government approval and approval in Lundin Petroleum AB’s Extraordinary General Meeting set for 31 July 2019. The Lundin Petroleum Board of Directors have expressed their unanimous support for the transaction, and the Lundin Petroleum family entities have confirmed that they will vote in favour of the transaction at the Extraordinary General Meeting. Closing of the sale of the shares in Lundin Petroleum will take place after approval by the Lundin Petroleum Extraordinary General Meeting. Closing of the acquisition of the interest in Johan Sverdrup transaction is expected by 4Q19.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/offshore-and-subsea/08072019/equinor-to-divest-16-shareholding-in-lundin-petroleum/