IROC Energy Services Corp. Sells Drilling Rig Assets
September 11 2008 - 6:46PM
Marketwired Canada
THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN UNITED STATES OR TO ANY UNITED
STATES NEWS SERVICES.
IROC Energy Services Corp. ("IROC" or the "Corporation") (TSX:ISC) announces
that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Saxon Energy Services Inc.
to dispose of IROC's Mission Drilling division assets for cash consideration.
The assets include four telescopic double drilling rigs and all associated
equipment and inventories currently operated by IROC's Mission Drilling
division. Total proceeds are $33.7 million in cash with the closing of the
transaction expected to be completed on September 19, 2008.
The transaction will allow IROC to materially reduce its level of indebtedness
and provides significant financial flexibility going forward to explore both
acquisitions and expansion of capital expenditure plans in IROC's core
businesses. Post closing of the transaction, IROC will be in full compliance
with all financial covenants contained in its credit facilities, with
approximately $29.5 million of its $75.5 million facility being utilized. Net
debt for the Corporation at September 30, 2008 is expected to be approximately
$14 million.
In addition, with the disposition of the Mission Drilling division, IROC will
increase its focus on its other operating divisions, including Eagle Well
Servicing which recently took delivery of its 31st service rig with additional
five service rigs scheduled for delivery before year end.
Tom Alford, President and CEO, commented that "given the current operating
environment in Alberta, we are pleased with this transaction. The ability to
resume our growth plan in our core businesses is important to all stakeholders
in IROC. The transaction will significantly improve our balance sheet and
management is looking forward to the opportunities that the reduced level of
debt will bring about." Mr. Alford further commented that "while Mission
Drilling has made great strides in the past year, it simply was not providing
the required returns in a difficult operating environment. The proceeds from the
transaction will allow for debt reduction, but more importantly will allow
capital to be allocated into areas of our business that can provide better
returns now and into the future."
This transaction comes about as part of the ongoing strategic review process
announced on August 5, 2008 which continues through the work of the Special
Committee of the board of directors of IROC with the assistance of Peters & Co.
Limited as advisors.
Tristone Capital Inc. acted as financial advisor to IROC on the transaction.
About IROC Energy Services Corp.
IROC Energy Services Corp. is an Alberta oilfield services company that, through
the IROC Energy Services Partnership, provides a comprehensive and diverse range
of products, services and equipment to the oil and gas industry. IROC combines
cutting-edge technology with depth of experience to deliver a product and
services offering in six core areas: well servicing & equipment, drilling rig
equipment & services, downhole temperature & pressure monitoring tools, rental
services, lease building, and safety, monitoring & communications services. For
more information on IROC Energy Services Corp. visit our website at
www.iroccorp.com.
Publicly reported information for IROC Energy Services Corp. is available at
www.sedar.com.
Cautionary Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward
looking statements concerning, among other things, expected revenues, expected
expenses, profits, developments and strategies for IROC's operations all of
which are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These forward
looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as
"anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "projected",
"should", "believe" and other similar terms and phrases. By its nature, such
forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from
those anticipated in such forward looking statements. These risks include, but
are not limited, to the risks associated with the oil and gas industry
generally, fluctuating prices in crude oil and natural gas, changes in drilling
activity, general global economic, political and business conditions, weather
conditions, regulatory changes and availability of products, qualified personnel
and manufacturing capacity and raw materials. If any of these uncertainties
materialize, or if assumptions are incorrect actual results may vary materially
from those expected. IROC relies on litigation protection for any forward
looking statements.
The Common Shares of IROC have not and will not be registered on the United
States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "United States Securities Act")
or any state securities laws are not offered or sold in the United States or to
any US person except in certain transactions exempt from the registration
requirements of the United States Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws.
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