HOUSTON, April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fieldwood
Energy LLC (the "Company" or "Fieldwood") announced today the
closing of its acquisition of all of Noble Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE:
NBL) deepwater oil and gas assets located in the Gulf of Mexico with an effective date of
January 1, 2018.
The acquisition was a key component of Fieldwood's innovative
restructuring and recapitalization plan, which was confirmed last
week by the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of
Texas. Through the prepackaged
plan, Fieldwood raised $525 million
of capital which was used to fund the acquisition and provide
general working capital, while reducing its debt levels by
$1.6 billion and eliminating
$134 million in annual cash
interest.
Fieldwood's Chief Executive Officer, Matt McCarroll, commented, "This acquisition
adds quality producing assets to our existing portfolio, provides
us with numerous deepwater drilling opportunities and enhances our
position as one of the largest operators in the Gulf of Mexico. With a strengthened balance
sheet, substantially more cash flow and the new, talented deepwater
operating team, we are well positioned to capitalize on future
opportunities while executing our safe and efficient operations
strategy to create long-term value."
The entire restructuring and recapitalization process was
remarkable in that it included a major acquisition, received a 100%
vote of approval from lenders and attracted 100% participation in
the equity rights offering.
"I am grateful to our dedicated employees, equity owners,
lenders and all other stakeholders for their contributions in
crafting and completing this extraordinary plan," Mr. McCarroll
said. "Reorganizing with such creativity and recapitalizing with
such consensus, is a testament to our team's innovative thinking
and commitment to doing what it takes to forge a successful future
for this company," he concluded.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as Fieldwood's legal
counsel, along with Evercore Group LLC as its financial advisor
and Opportune LLP as its restructuring advisor. Advisors
to the first-lien group were O'Melveny & Myers LLP, Houlihan
Lokey Capital, Inc., Willkie Farr
& Gallagher LLP, and RPA Advisors, LLC. Davis Polk &
Wardwell LLP and PJT Partners LP were advisors to the junior lender
group and new equity holders. Riverstone Holdings LLC was advised
by Vinson & Elkins LLP and Perella Weinberg Partners.
Fieldwood greatly appreciates its investors and all the advisors
for their counsel and support.
About Fieldwood Energy LLC
Based in Houston, Fieldwood
Energy LLC is one of the largest oil and gas operators in the
Gulf of Mexico. Fieldwood is
privately held and is founded on an unwavering commitment to safety
and operational excellence.
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SOURCE Fieldwood Energy LLC