BP Sells Southern Gas Assets to Perenco, UK

BP announced today that it has agreed to sell its interests in its southern gas assets (SGA) in the UK North Sea to Perenco UK Ltd for $400 million in cash.

As it continues the active management of its business portfolios around the world, focusing on core activities and future growth, BP expects to divest assets with a total value of $38 billion between 2010 and the end of 2013. Including the agreement to sell SGA, the company has now announced divestments with an expected value totalling approximately $23 billion.

Perenco has made an initial payment to BP of $100 million in cash and the remaining $300 million will be paid on completion, which is expected before the end of 2012. A further $10 million may be paid in the future contingent on the prevailing gas prices. Completion of the sale is subject to a number of third party and regulatory approvals. It is expected that impacted BP employees working for SGA will transfer with the asset to Perenco.

Trevor Garlick, regional president for BP North Sea, said: “We are pleased to have reached this agreement. Perenco is committed to investing in and developing SGA beyond BP’s plans, ultimately providing a longer-term future for the assets and the people who work there. The continued safe operation of SGA will continue to be our priority as we support employees through the transition process.”

The divestment of SGA is part of BP’s strategy to develop a more focused North Sea business in the UK and Norway.

BP has a multi-billion pound investment programme currently underway, with four major field development projects in the UK and a further two in Norway. Mr Garlick said: “Together with our partners BP is currently progressing projects in the UK offshore that will involve a total investment of £10 billion over the next five years – representing the highest level of annual investment BP has ever made into the UK’s offshore industry. Actively managing our portfolio allows us to concentrate our people, capabilities and investment on sustaining BP’s business in the North Sea for the long term.”

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LNG World News Staff, March 27, 2012; Image: BP