USA: Chesapeake to Sell Northern Eagle Ford and Haynesville Shale Assets

Chesapeake Energy announced the execution of agreements to sell assets in the Northern Eagle Ford Shale and Haynesville Shale to EXCO Operating, a subsidiary of EXCO Resources, for aggregate proceeds of approximately $1.0 billion, of which approximately 90% will be received upon closing.

Payment of the remaining proceeds will be subject to customary post-closing contingencies. The transactions, which are subject to certain closing conditions, are expected to close in the 2013 third quarter.

In the Northern Eagle Ford Shale, EXCO has agreed to acquire approximately 55,000 net acres in Zavala, Dimmit, La Salle and Frio counties, Texas, including approximately 120 producing wells with average net daily production of approximately 6,100 barrels of oil equivalent during the month of May.

In the Haynesville Shale, EXCO has agreed to acquire Chesapeake’s operated and non-operated interests in approximately 9,600 net acres in Desoto and Caddo parishes, Louisiana. Included in the transaction are 11 units operated by Chesapeake and 42 units operated by EXCO. Average net daily production from the Haynesville properties to be sold was approximately 114 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent during the month of May.

The impact of these asset sales on net production and capital expenditures was previously reflected in Chesapeake’s May 1, 2013, Outlook guidance.

Doug Lawler, Chesapeake’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Today’s announcement brings our year-to-date asset sales signed or closed to approximately $3.6 billion, which, combined with forecasted net operating cash flow, enables Chesapeake to fully fund its 2013 capital expenditure budget. Additional asset sales contemplated for later this year may reduce long-term debt and further enhance our financial liquidity.”

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LNG World News Staff, July 3, 2013; Image: Chesapeake