HOUSTON, May 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Noble Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NBL) announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to divest the holding company which owns a 50 percent interest in CONE Gathering, LLC and 21.7 million common and subordinated limited partnership units to a portfolio company of Quantum Energy Partners for total cash consideration of $765 million. The limited partnership units represent a 33.5 percent ownership interest in CONE Midstream Partners LP (NYSE:CNNX). CONE Gathering owns the general partner of CONE Midstream.
David L. Stover, Noble Energy’s Chairman, President and CEO, commented “CNNX has performed exceptionally well since its IPO in late 2014, exceeding forecasts despite a challenging macro-economic backdrop. Including this transaction, Noble Energy will realize more than $1 billion in total value from our Marcellus midstream business, which represents approximately three times our net invested capital. Going forward, our midstream efforts are focused on Noble Midstream Partners, supporting our DJ Basin and Delaware Basin growth areas.”
Dheeraj Verma, President of Quantum Energy Partners, said “Quantum is excited to once again work with Noble Energy on a substantial acquisition. This transaction follows the recently announced sale of Noble Energy’s upstream Appalachia assets to a separate portfolio company of Quantum. We have a strong track record of sponsoring and growing both upstream and midstream companies across the Appalachian Basin and we look forward to partnering with CONSOL Energy Inc. in continuing the success of CONE Midstream.”
Noble Energy’s cumulative 2017 divestiture proceeds total approximately $2 billion, with the amount primarily representing an exit of the Company’s Appalachia upstream and midstream businesses. Proceeds announced year-to-date are being utilized to cover the cash costs associated with the Clayton Williams Energy acquisition, to further strengthen the balance sheet through debt reduction, and to provide additional financial capacity and flexibility to support the Company’s U.S. onshore oil development.
Closing of the transaction is anticipated in the third quarter this year, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments. BofA Merrill Lynch acted as the sole financial advisor to Noble Energy on the CONE Midstream transaction and Vinson & Elkins LLP served as legal counsel.
Noble Energy (NYSE:NBL) is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with a diversified high-quality portfolio of both U.S. unconventional and global offshore conventional assets spanning three continents. Founded more than 80 years ago, the company is committed to safely and responsibly delivering our purpose: Energizing the World, Bettering People’s Lives®. For more information, visit http://www.nblenergy.com.
