HAMILTON, Bermuda, Aug. 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North Atlantic Drilling Ltd. ("NADL" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that an agreement has been signed whereby NADL will purchase a significant portion of Rosneft's land drilling fleet in Russia. Approximately 150 rigs will be acquired along with an award of new 5 year contracts with Rosneft for these units.
Following the preliminary Investment and Cooperation announcement in May and the completion of the binding offshore contracts in July, NADL today has agreed to acquire a significant portion of Rosneft's land drilling fleet. Rosneft will receive as consideration an approximate 30% stake in NADL by receiving primary shares at the price agreed upon in May of US$9.25 per share, with the balance being paid to NADL in cash. Following the transaction Seadrill Limited will continue to own more than 50% of NADL.
The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of this year. According to the agreement, any break rights expire after 77 days. Upon closing Rosneft will be entitled to appoint two of seven Board seats on NADL's Board of Directors.
This binding agreement is consistent with the provisions of the Investment and Cooperation Agreement between Seadrill, NADL and Rosneft announced on May 24, 2014.
Alf Ragnar Lovdal, Chief Executive Officer of NADL says in a comment, "We are very pleased with the execution of this important transaction and welcome Rosneft as an equity partner and to our Board of Directors."
NADL is an offshore harsh environment drilling company with focus on the North Atlantic basin. The company has nine drilling units in the fleet, including five semi-submersibles, a drillship, and three jack-up rigs. Seadrill Limited currently owns 70% of the outstanding shares and the company is listed on the NYSE and Norwegian OTC with a market capitalization of approximately US$2.4 billion.
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
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