Houston, Nov. 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Noble Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NBL) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with SRC Energy Inc. to divest approximately 30,200 net acres from the Company’s non-core DJ Basin position in Weld County, Colorado. Included with the acreage sold is approximately 4,100 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Boe/d). The total value of the transaction is $608 million. The transaction, effective as of November 1, 2017, is anticipated to close on two separate dates, with acreage and non-operated production included in the initial closing by the end of 2017, followed by a second closing for operated producing properties by mid-2018. The closings are subject to customary terms and conditions, with the initial closing representing over 90 percent of the total transaction value.
Gary W. Willingham, Noble Energy’s Executive Vice President, Operations, commented, “This sale of acreage in our Greely Crescent and Bronco development areas represents an acceleration of value as it was not likely to be developed by us for a number of years. Our DJ Basin activities, both now and for several years to come, will remain focused on the northern and eastern parts of the basin. This is where we have a deep inventory of long lateral drilling opportunities in an oilier part of the basin and where our infrastructure provides a competitive advantage. Proceeds from this transaction continue to highlight a strong market valuation for our DJ Basin position and will be prioritized to further strengthen our investment-grade balance sheet.”
Approximately 50 percent of the acreage is located in the Company’s Greely Crescent area and the remainder is in the Bronco area. A map related to the transaction can be found on the ‘News Releases’ page under ‘Investors’ on the Company’s website at www.nblenergy.com.
Noble Midstream Partners LP (NYSE: NBLX) maintains the acreage dedication for in-basin oil gathering, produced water gathering and fresh water delivery.
Non-operated production associated with the transaction totals approximately 2,500 Boe/d. Operated production, assumed at the time of the second closing, is estimated to be 1,600 Boe/d. The commodity mix of the production divested is 20 percent oil, 30 percent natural gas liquids, and 50 percent natural gas. The acreage and production divested represent approximately eight percent and four percent, respectively, of the Company’s totals in the DJ Basin. Post transaction close, Noble Energy’s DJ Basin position will be approximately 335,000 net acres.
Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. acted as the lead financial advisor, and Bracewell LLP acted as outside legal advisor to Noble Energy on the transaction.
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 85 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.
