Block Energy completes ‘transformational’ acquisition of Georgian assets
London-listed has acquired two new adjacent blocks in Georgia, from Schlumberger, in what has been labelled as a “transformational acquisition.”
The Georgian-focused exploration firm said that recent appraisal drilling by Schlumberger has unearthed additional potential, identifying 600bn cubic feet of in-place gas. The assets increase 2C contingent resources by 29 million boe as well as 245 million boe of prospective resources. The acquisition therefore represents a significant step in scale for Block Energy, increasing its acreage by over 30 times.
This morning’s statement detailed that the acquisition from Schlumberger will go ahead with no upfront cash consideration. Instead, Schlumberger will be given options over Block Energy stock including 120m shares, or 23.3% of the Group, making up a base deal value of around $6m.
Under the deal, Block will acquire the new acreage in Georgia including producing Block XIB, known as Georgia's ‘most productive block’ as well as an exploration Block IX. Historically, Block XIB has produced over 180 million barrels of oil with a peak flow of 67,000 barrels of oil per day in the mid-1980s and is expected to add 64m barrels (boe) of 2P oil reserves to the company.
Shares in Block Energy were trading 18.18% higher at 2.6p during Thursday trading.
“The Acquisition is transformational for Block Energy, providing the Company scale and increased production, reserves and resources,” said Paul Haywood, CEO of Block Energy.
Once integrated with Block's existing operations, Block believes the assets will grant ‘significant operational synergies’ that will enhance its operational ability and efficiency.
Haywood added, “A critical component of this transaction is that it will be completed with no cash consideration, using options on our own share capital. The Acquisition demonstrates management's ability to identify, compete for and secure the right deals for its shareholders in an environment posing unprecedented challenges for the industry.”
Following the acquisition, Block will have a total licence area of 2,622 km2, giving it ‘a material position’ in Georgia's oil and gas fairway.
Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest
The information, investment views and recommendations in this article are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this article should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engaging in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the writer but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. Vox Markets may receive payment from companies mentioned for enhanced profiling or publication presence. The writer may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.