NOT
FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE
TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR
REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION
ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO UK LISTING RULE 7.3
For
immediate release
Energean
plc
("Energean" or the
"Company")
Strategic sale of Egypt,
Italy and Croatia portfolio
London, 29 August 2024 -
Energean plc (LSE: ENOG, TASE: אנאג) is pleased to provide further
information regarding the strategic sale of its Egyptian, Italian
and Croatian portfolio to an entity controlled by Carlyle
International Energy Partners ("Carlyle") (the "Transaction") as announced on 20 June
2024 (the "Original
Announcement").
This announcement is made on the
basis that the Transaction amounts to a significant transaction for
the purposes of UKLR 7.3 (as came into effect on 29 July 2024).
This announcement includes the additional information required to
be disclosed in accordance with the requirements of UKLR 7.3.1R and
UKLR 7.3.2R (as required by UKLR TP 6 6.5R(2) for a mid-flight
transaction) and is supplemental to, and should be read in
conjunction with, the Original Announcement. Certain information
contained in the Original Announcement (accessible at
Energean's
website) is restated in this
announcement.
Transaction terms and consideration
On 19 June 2024, Energean plc
entered into a sale and purchase agreement (the "Sale and Purchase Agreement") with CIEP
Spin BidCo Limited (the "Buyer"), an entity controlled by
Carlyle, pursuant to which the Buyer agreed to purchase the entire
issued share capital of Energean Capital Limited (the "Target"). The Target is the
intermediate holding company of Energean's Egypt, Italy and
Croatian assets. The consideration for the acquisition of the
Target comprises a total enterprise value of up to $945 million, of
which $820 million is firm, plus a $/boe
contingent payment linked to the recent Location B well in
Egypt. This is over a 3x increase versus
the original acquisition value of $284
million in 2020[1], equalling an EV/2P
multiple of $5.4/boe (versus c.$1.2/boe)[2].
The economic effective date of the
Transaction is 31 December 2023 ("Effective Date").
After enterprise value to equity
value adjustments as at the Effective Date, Energean will
receive:
·
$504 million upfront cash consideration upon
completion of the Transaction ("Completion").
·
Working capital/cash adjustments between the
Effective Date and the date of Completion ("Completion Date").
·
$139 million vendor loan (the "Vendor Loan") to be repaid with a 6
years and 3 months tenor plus interest at SOFR + 7% in year one,
plus 0.5% for each year thereafter.
·
$125 million capped contingent consideration,
inflated at the US CPI from 1 January 2024 onwards, varying from
nil to $125 million (as inflation adjusted) depending
on:
o Working interest Italian oil and gas production over the
period 2025-2028 exceeding annual reference volumes, based off the
Proved Developed Reserves and Proved Reserves respectively as taken
from the YE23 Competent Person's Report ("CPR") report[3]; and
o Brent and Italian PSV gas prices over the period 2025-2028
exceeding an annual reference price[4].
o The
contingent payment due is based on 25% of the incremental commodity
price multiplied by the actual production and payable on an annual
basis in respect of the years 2025-28.
· An
uncapped contingent payment for the recently drilled Location B
well in Egypt.
o This payment will be calculated based off (i) the 2P reserves
(as determined by an independent auditor at YE24) plus (ii) the
actual 2024 production, that are in excess of the below pre-drill
estimated volumes:
§ $2.00 per boe for gas in excess of 8,672,924 boe;
§ $5.00 per boe for oil in excess of 0 boe;
§ $4.50 per boe for condensate in excess of 490,055 boe;
and
§ $3.75 per boe for LPG in excess of 539,060 boe.
o The first $15 million of any payable amount shall be payable
in cash in Q3 2025 and any balance due shall be payable (at
Carlyle's option) either in cash or as a corresponding increase in
the principal amount of the Vendor Loan.
Sale Portfolio
In 2020, Energean acquired Edison
E&P, which included production, development and exploration
assets in Egypt, Italy and Croatia. Energean's portfolio of assets
in these countries has net working interest 2P reserves of 150
mmboe (70% gas) (D&M YE23 CPR) and 2023 net working interest
production of 34 kboe/d (73% gas).
These assets generated Adjusted
EBITDAX of $264 million in 2023. The gross assets attributable to
the Transaction as at 31 December 2023 were $1.67 billion. Total
liabilities attributable to the Transaction as at 31 December 2023
were $1.27 billion, of which $516 million was provision for
decommissioning.
Strategic Rationale
Energean's strategy is to be the
leading independent gas-focused E&P in the Mediterranean and
beyond. The Group has taken the decision to sell certain non-core
geographies, where at least $7.5 million
per annum of G&A savings have been identified, in line with its
key business drivers to:
· Be cashflow
accretive: the Transaction is
expected to be immediately free cash flow accretive. The Group
expects to redefine its dividend policy upon Completion.
· Focus on gas and gas
development: the Transaction enables
management to focus on its core gas-weighted assets, underpinned by
Israel and the recent farm-in to the Anchois field in Morocco, to
maximise asset monetisation, free cash flow generation and returns
to shareholders.
· Achieve our growth
objectives: moving forward, Energean
will continue to evaluate existing organic growth opportunities
within its portfolio, as well as inorganic opportunities beyond the
Mediterranean in the wider EMEA region, particularly where there is
long-term policy support for gas and coal phase-out.
· Deliver upon our Net Zero
commitments: the Transaction will
accelerate the Group's decarbonisation efforts whereby post-close
the Group's scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity will reduce by around
40% to ~5 kgCO2e/boe, accelerating its 2035 target of 4-6
kgCO2e/boe by 10 years. This is in addition to the Group's focus on
creating a Carbon Storage Hub in Greece and the wider Mediterranean
region via its EnEarth subsidiary.
Use
of Proceeds and Dividend Policy
Energean expects sufficient cash
proceeds at Completion to be able to repay in full the $450 million
PLC corporate bond and facilitate a special dividend of up to $200
million.
In light of the Transaction, the
Board will undertake a review of the Company's dividend policy and
near-term targets and expects to redefine its dividend policy upon
Completion.
Conditionality and timing to Completion
Completion of the Transaction is
conditional upon customary regulatory approvals in Italy and Egypt
together with antitrust approvals in Italy, Egypt and Common Market
for Eastern and Southern Africa ("COMESA"). The Transaction constitutes a
significant transaction under the UK Listing Rules. Following the
implementation of the UKLRs on 29 July 2024, the Transaction is no
longer subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders. The
Transaction is subject to the conditions being satisfied by a
longstop date of 20 March 2025 (or such other date as may be agreed
by Energean and Carlyle), with Completion targeted to occur by
year-end 2024.
Staff employed by Energean Italy
(which includes Croatia) and Energean Egypt will continue their
employment under Carlyle's ownership, which they have committed to
guarantee for 18-months post-Completion, providing continuity for
staff and contributing to ongoing operational reliability and
safety.
Additional Information
Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to this
announcement contain further information regarding the terms of the
Transaction as required by UKLR 7.3.1R and UKLR 7.3.2R. Appendix 3
includes certain defined terms used in this
announcement.
Advisors
Rothschild & Co is acting as the
Company's financial advisor and White & Case is acting as the
Company's legal counsel.
Enquiries
For capital
markets: ir@energean.com
|
|
Kyrah McKenzie, Investor Relations
Manager
|
Tel: +44 (0) 7921 210 862
|
|
|
For media: pblewer@energean.com
|
|
Paddy Blewer, Corporate Communications Director & Head of CSR
|
Tel: +44 (0) 7765 250 857
|
Forward looking
statements
This announcement contains
statements that are, or are deemed to be, forward-looking
statements. In some instances, forward-looking statements can be
identified by the use of terms such as "projects", "forecasts", "on
track", "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "intends", "may",
"will", or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other
variations or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements
are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results and events to differ
materially from those expressed in or implied by such
forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: general
economic and business conditions; demand for the Company's products
and services; competitive factors in the industries in which the
Company operates; exchange rate fluctuations; legislative, fiscal
and regulatory developments; political risks; terrorism, acts of
war and pandemics; changes in law and legal interpretations; and
the impact of technological change. Forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date of such statements and, except as
required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to
update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The
information contained in this announcement is subject to change
without notice.
Appendix 1
Additional
Information
PART A
The following information is
required to be disclosed in accordance with the requirements of
UKLR 7.3.1R (as required by UKLR TP 6.2R(3)
and UKLR TP 6.5R(2) for a mid-flight transaction)
and was not required to be included in the
Original Announcement.
1.
Sale and Purchase Agreement
The Sale and
Purchase Agreement consists of a share sale
and purchase agreement between Energean and CIEP Spin BidCo Limited, an entity controlled by
Carlyle, for the acquisition of 100% of the
share capital of Energean Capital Limited (a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company). In addition, Energean and the Buyer
will enter into a tax deed at Completion to govern the allocation
of tax liabilities relating to the Target Group prior to and with
effect from the Effective Date. At Completion, the Company (as
lender) will also enter into a facility agreement with CIEP Spin
MidCo 2 Limited (as borrower), an entity controlled by Carlyle,
which will govern the terms of the Vendor Loan.
Other terms
Completion is conditional upon
customary regulatory approvals in Italy and Egypt together with
antitrust approvals in Italy, Egypt and COMESA. The Transaction
constitutes a significant transaction under the UK Listing Rules.
Following the implementation of the UKLRs on 29 July 2024, the
Transaction is no longer subject to the approval of the Company's
shareholders. Pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the
Target is also required to transfer the North Sea Assets (together
with certain other non-Target Group assets currently held by the
Target Group which are primarily for the benefit of the Group), to
the Company on or prior to Completion. The Purchaser and Seller
will also seek to procure the release of guarantees given by the
Group in relation to the Target Group and by the Target Group in
relation to the Group respectively.
The Transaction is subject to the
conditions being satisfied by a longstop date of 20 March 2025 (or
such other date as may be agreed by Energean and Carlyle) (the
"Longstop
Date").
Prior to Completion, Energean shall
procure that the business of the Target Group is conducted in the
ordinary course of business and shall not, without the written
consent of the Buyer (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or
conditioned) undertake certain specified actions.
The consideration for the
Transaction is subject to certain customary adjustments including
an equity adjustment calculated on the equity value of the Target
for the period from the Effective Date until the Completion Date.
To the extent that this equity adjustment is below a threshold
amount of $10 million, it will be paid by the Buyer in cash on
Completion. Where the equity adjustment exceeds such threshold
amount, the amount in excess of such threshold amount will be added
to the amount of the Vendor Loan.
Energean has provided certain
indemnities to the Buyer in respect of the operations of the Target
Group, together with certain customary warranties (including inter
alia with respect to incorporation, capacity, and authority,
ownership of the assets of the Target Group and insolvency).
Energean's liability for a relevant claim made by the Buyer is
subject to a number of contractual limitations, including a
customary cap on Energean's total liability in respect of all
claims under the SPA (excluding certain claims relating to
indemnities and pre-Completion "leakage" to the Group from the
Target Group).
Either Energean or the Buyer has a
right to terminate the Sale and Purchase Agreement if any of the
conditions have not been satisfied or waived by the Longstop Date.
The Sale and Purchase Agreement may also be terminated by the Buyer
for any breach of certain fundamental warranties and the occurrence
of certain material adverse events affecting the Target Group
following signing, subject to customary rights to
remedy.
The Sale and Purchase Agreement is
governed by English law. Any dispute arising in respect of the Sale
and Purchase Agreement shall be referred to and finally resolved by
arbitration under the Rules of the London Court of International
Arbitration.
Non-Completion
If Completion does not occur in
certain specified circumstances the Buyer will be liable to pay
Energean an amount which is material by reference to the overall
value of the transaction by way of liquidated damages (the
"Non-Completion
Payment").
2.
Vendor Loan Agreement
In connection with the
Transaction, at Completion Energean will enter into a vendor loan
agreement (the "Vendor Loan
Agreement") under which Energean as lender (the "Lender") will make available a senior
secured facility to CIEP Spin Midco 2 Ltd as borrower (the
"Borrower") (the Borrower
being the indirect parent company of the Buyer) and such facility
will be deemed to be utilised through the Vendor Loan on a cashless
basis by way of a deduction from the purchase price payable to
Energean by the Buyer in respect of the
Transaction.
The precise Vendor Loan amount is to
be confirmed on the Completion Date in
accordance with the purchase price mechanics set out in the Sale
and Purchase Agreement, but prior to any equity adjustment for the
period between the Effective Date and the Completion Date the
Vendor Loan amount is $139,180,124.
The security arrangements under the
Vendor Loan Agreement consist of (i) an English law governed share
charge granted by CIEP Spin Holdco Ltd ("Topco") in respect of the entire issued
share capital of the Borrower and an assignment of intercompany
receivables owed by the Borrower to Topco; and (ii) an English law
governed assignment of intercompany receivables (A) owed by the
Borrower to Topco; and (B) owed to the Borrower by its subsidiaries
(which will include the Target Group on Completion).
The Vendor Loan will have a tenor of
6 years and 3 months from the Completion Date and shall be repaid
in full on its termination date, subject to any voluntary or
mandatory prepayments that occur prior to this date. The Borrower
can voluntarily prepay the Vendor Loan with 5 business days'
notice. The Vendor Loan contains mandatory prepayment events which
are customary for this type of facility, along with certain
customary restrictions on the activities of the Borrower by way of
affirmative and negative covenants. The Vendor Loan Agreement also includes customary event of
default provisions for this type of facility, including
cross-payment default to the RBL facility.
The interest rate is Term SOFR plus
a margin of 7% per annum which is increased by an additional 0.50%
per annum for each anniversary of the Vendor Loan Agreement until
the fifth anniversary where the margin will be 9.50% per annum
until the final repayment date. For the first two years after the
Completion Date, interest shall be paid as "payment in kind" (PIK)
and shall capitalise and be compounded with the outstanding amount
of the Vendor Loan on a quarterly basis unless the Borrower elects
to pay the interest in cash. Following the initial two-year period,
the interest then becomes payable in cash on a quarterly basis
unless the Borrower elects for the interest to be payable as PIK
subject to the total number of interest periods for which the
Borrower may elect to pay interest as PIK being no more than 12
months in aggregate and there being no more than four PIK elections
in total. For any interest period in which PIK applies, the
interest will be increased by an additional premium of 0.25% per
annum multiplied by the number of interest periods in respect of
which the PIK interest applies.
3.
Effects of the Transaction
The implementation of the
Transaction is expected to have the following impacts or effects on
Energean.
3.1
Material risks
The Directors consider the following
to be the material risk factors related to the Transaction,
material new risk factors to Energean as a result of the
Transaction, or existing material risk factors to Energean which
will be affected by the Transaction. These risks do not purport to
be a comprehensive list of all potential risks in relation to the
Transaction and do not include additional risks relating to the
Transaction that are not presently known to the Directors, or which
the Directors deem immaterial in the context of the Transaction.
The risks described herein are based on information known at the
date of this announcement but may not be the only risks to which
the Group is or might be exposed. Additional risks and
uncertainties, which are currently unknown to the Company or that
the Company does not currently consider to be material, may
adversely affect the business of the Group and could have material
adverse effects on the business, financial condition, results of
operations and future prospects of the Group.
3.1.1 Material risks
relating to the Transaction not proceeding
The implementation of the
Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions
and the conditions might not be satisfied or waived. The
Transaction is conditional upon the satisfaction or, where
applicable, waiver of the following conditions:
· regulatory approvals in Italy and Egypt;
· anti-trust approvals in Italy, Egypt and COMESA;
and
· transfer of the North Sea Assets from the Target Group to a
member of the Group.
There is no guarantee that these
conditions will be satisfied or, where permitted, waived by the
long stop date of 20 March 2025 or at all. Failure to satisfy or
obtain waiver of any condition may result in the Transaction not
being completed. The Sale and Purchase
Agreement may also be terminated for any breach of certain
fundamental warranties and the occurrence of certain material
adverse events affecting the Target Group following signing,
subject to customary rights to remedy.
If the Transaction is not completed,
or the Sale and Purchase Agreement is terminated, the Group will
not receive any of the consideration payable in respect of it. This
would prejudice its ability to create shareholder value by being
unable to repay the 2027 PLC Notes in full prior to their scheduled
maturity and facilitate a special dividend of up to $200
million.
If Completion does not occur, or the
Sale and Purchase Agreement is terminated, the Company will also
have incurred significant costs and management time in connection
with the Transaction, which it will not be able to recover (other
than through the Non-Completion Payment, to the extent applicable).
It will also not realise the anticipated benefits of the
Transaction and its ability to implement its stated strategy may be
prejudiced.
3.1.2 Material risks
relating to the Group which result from the
Transaction
3.1.2.1
Warranties and indemnities in the Sale and
Purchase Agreement
The Sale and Purchase Agreement
contains certain warranties and indemnities from Energean in favour
of the Buyer which are customary in nature. Energean's total liability in respect of all claims is subject
to a customary cap (excluding certain claims relating to
indemnities and pre-Completion "leakage" to the Group from the
Target Group). If Energean is required in
the future to make payments under any of the warranties or
indemnities the costs of such payments could have an adverse effect
on its business, financial condition and results of
operations.
3.1.2.2
Energean will be exposed to the Buyer's credit
risk on the Vendor Loan and the
contingent payments
In part consideration for the
Transaction, Energean will make the Vendor Loan with a nominal
amount of $139 million (prior to any equity
adjustment for the period between the Effective Date and the
Completion Date). The Vendor Loan is
repayable upon maturity, being the date falling 6 years and 3
months following Completion, unless repaid prior to this date in
accordance with its terms. In addition, the Buyer has agreed to pay further amounts related to the working
interest Italian oil and gas production and the recently drilled
Location B well in Egypt (the "Contingent Consideration"). For the
Italian working interests, such contingent payment will be based
off production volumes and the average Brent Crude Oil Price and
Italian PSV Gas Price during the calendar years 2025, 2026, 2027
and 2028 relative to annual reference production volumes and
prices. For the Location B well in Egypt such contingent payment
will be calculated based off (i) the 2P reserves (as determined by
an independent auditor at YE24) plus (ii) the actual 2024
production, that are in excess of certain agreed pre-drill
estimated volumes. The first $15 million of any payable amount in
respect of the Location B well contingent consideration shall be
payable in cash in Q3 2025 and any balance due shall be payable (at
the Buyer's option) either in cash or as a corresponding increase
in the principal amount of the Vendor Loan.
Carlyle has
not provided any guarantee in respect of the repayment of the
Vendor Loan or the payment of the Contingent Consideration.
Energean will therefore be subject to the credit risk of the Buyer
and there can be no assurance that the Buyer will be able to repay
the Vendor Loan in accordance with its terms or the Contingent
Consideration. Therefore, there is a risk that Energean may not be
repaid in full pursuant to the Vendor Loan and receive the full
consideration due in respect of the Transaction.
3.1.2.3
The amount of the Contingent Consideration for the
Italian working interests is subject to determination by reference
to production volumes and yearly averages for the Brent Crude Oil
Price and Italian PSV Gas Price
The Sale and Purchase Agreement
provides for a $125 million capped
contingent consideration, inflated at the US CPI from 1 January
2024 onwards, varying from nil to $125 million (as inflation
adjusted) which is payable on the following reference prices and
production volumes being met (subject to
certain adjustments in the event of new windfall taxes being levied
on the relevant profits).
Year
|
2025
|
2026
|
2027
|
2028
|
$/bbl (oil reference price)
|
77.33
|
73.56
|
70.00
|
70.00
|
Oil
production trigger (mmbbl)
|
1.794
|
1.666
|
1.55
|
1.444
|
€/MWh gas reference price
|
29.87
|
29.16
|
25.00
|
25.00
|
Gas
production trigger (mmscf)
|
26,918
|
24,551
|
21,574
|
19,063
|
A conversion factor of 3.412 mcf to
1 MWh applies in converting net production from mcf to
MWh
If the production volumes or the
average Brent Crude Oil Price or Italian PSV Gas Price in any of
those calendar years is below the minimum threshold, no Contingent
Consideration with respect to the Italian working interests will be
payable in respect of that calendar year. Prices for crude oil and
natural gas can fluctuate widely. Among the factors that can or
could cause these price fluctuations are: (a) the level of consumer
demand; (b) domestic and worldwide supplies of crude oil and
natural gas; (c) the price and quantity of imported and exported
crude oil and natural gas; (d) domestic and international drilling
activity; (e) the actions of other crude oil and natural gas
exporting nations; (f) weather conditions and changes in weather
patterns; (g) the availability, proximity and capacity of
appropriate transportation facilities, gathering, processing and
compression facilities and refining facilities; (h) worldwide
economic and political conditions, including political instability
or armed conflict in oil and gas producing regions; (i) the price
and availability of, and demand for, competing energy sources,
including alternative energy sources; (j) the nature and extent of
governmental regulation, including environmental regulation,
regulation of derivatives transactions and hedging activities, tax
laws and regulations and import and export laws and regulations;
(k) the level and effect of trading in commodity futures markets,
including trading by commodity price speculators and others; and
(l) the effect of worldwide energy conservation measures. Energean
has, and will have, no control or influence over the Brent Crude
Oil Price or Italian PSV Gas Price or production volumes for the
Italian working interests and cannot accurately predict these for
the four calendar years applicable to the Contingent Consideration
with respect to the Italian working interests. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that any element of the Contingent
Consideration with respect to the Italian working interests will
become due and payable.
3.1.2.4
The amount of the Contingent Consideration payable
by the Buyer to Energean is subject to determination by reference
to 2P reserves and 2024 production from the Location B well in
Egypt
The Sale and Purchase Agreement
provides for a potential uncapped additional contingent
consideration payable in respect of the
recently drilled Location B well in Egypt, where such contingent
payment will be calculated based off (i) the 2P reserves (as
determined by an independent auditor at YE24) plus (ii) the actual
2024 production, that are in excess of the following pre-drill
estimated volumes (using a conversion factor of one boe equals 5,650.4 cubic feet as
applicable):
· $2.00
per boe for gas in excess of 8,672,924 boe;
· $5.00
per boe for oil in excess of 0 boe;
· $4.50
per boe for condensate in excess of 490,055 boe; and
· $3.75
per boe for LPG in excess of 539,060 boe.
If the 2P
reserves (as determined by an independent auditor at YE24) plus the
actual 2024 production from the Location B well are less than such
pre-drill estimated volumes, the Buyer shall not be required to pay
any amount in respect of the Contingent Consideration.
3.1.3 Existing material
risks to the Group which will be impacted by the
Transaction
3.1.3.1
The Group may be unable to implement its
strategy
Energean's strategy is to be the
leading independent gas-focused E&P in the Mediterranean and
beyond. The Transaction enables management to focus on its core
gas-weighted assets, underpinned by Israel and the recent farm-in
to the Anchois field in Morocco, to maximise asset monetisation,
free cash flow generation and returns to shareholders. In addition,
Energean will continue to evaluate existing organic growth
opportunities within its portfolio, as well as inorganic
opportunities beyond the Mediterranean in the wider EMEA region,
particularly where there is long-term policy support for gas and
coal phase-out. There can be no assurance that the Group will be
able to continue to implement this strategy successfully (for a
variety of reasons, including the availability of, or competition
for, additional growth opportunities) or that future oil and gas
prices will support this business model in future. Any failure to
do so could materially adversely affect the reputation, financial
condition and/or operating results of the Group.
3.1.3.2
Without the addition of reserves through
exploration, acquisition or development activities, the Group's
reserves and production will decline over time as reserves are
exploited
The Group's future oil and gas
reserves, production and cash flows to be derived therefrom are
highly dependent on its success in exploiting its current reserve
and resource base. The Transaction will result in the disposal of
assets with net working interest 2P reserves of 150 mmboe (70% gas)
(D&M YE23 CPR) and 2023 net working interest production of 34
kboe/d (73% gas). Without the addition of reserves through
exploration, acquisition or development activities, the Group's
reserves and production will decline over time as reserves are
exploited. A future increase in the Group's reserves will depend
not only on its ability to develop present properties (including
the Karish and the Katlan fields, in respect of which FID was
announced on 23 July 2024), but also on its ability to select and
acquire suitable producing properties or prospects. If such efforts
are unsuccessful, the Group's total reserves may not increase or
may decline, which could have a material adverse effect on its
business, financial condition, prospects and results of
operations.
3.1.3.3
Following Completion, the Group's assets will be
concentrated in Israel, making it vulnerable to risks associated
with having nearly all of its production in one
country
Following Completion, the Group's
oil and gas assets will continue to be concentrated in Israel
(given Israel represented approximately 83% of the Group's 2P
reserves of 1,115 mmboe prior to the implementation of the
Transaction). As a result of this concentration, the Group's assets
may be disproportionately exposed to the effect of regional supply
and demand factors, regional and domestic geopolitical and security
risks, delays or interruptions of production from wells caused by
processing or transportation capacity constraints, governmental
regulation, availability of equipment, equipment failure,
facilities, personnel or services market limitations, weather
events, or interruption of the processing or transportation of oil
and gas.
Since 7 October 2023 and the
conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, there is greater
geopolitical and security risk in the region, and essential
infrastructure systems (such as the Energean Power FPSO offshore
Israel) may be targets for missile fire and sabotage operations.
Any potential damage thereto may cause significant damage and
disrupt or disable the production and operations from the Karish
and Karish North fields (the "Karish Fields") for a period and to an
extent that may be material. While the Karish field has continued
to produce in line with guidance and with no disruption to its
operations since the start of the military conflict, any event that
impacts production from this field could have a material adverse
impact on the business, results of operations, cash flows,
financial condition and prospects of the Group.
3.2
Financial Effects of the Transactions
The gross assets attributable to the
Transaction as at 31 December 2023 were $1.67 billion. Total
liabilities attributable to the Transaction as at 31 December 2023
were $1.27 billion, of which $516 million was provision for
decommissioning. The Target Group generated Adjusted EBITDAX of
$264 million in 2023.
The Directors believe that the
Transaction will improve operating cash flows as a result of
removing decommissioning liabilities and capex commitments
associated with the Target Group with sufficient cash proceeds at
Completion to be able to repay in full the 2027 PLC Notes and
facilitate a special dividend of up to $200 million.
Following Completion, the Group will
no longer receive the contribution that the Target Group currently
makes to the Group's financial results. In the Group's forthcoming
interim consolidated financial results for the six months ended 30
June 2024, which are expected to be published by 11 September 2024,
the Target Group will be presented as a disposal group held for
sale and discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS 5. As a
result, comparative financial information will be restated in the
Interim Consolidated Income Statement for the six months ended 30
June 2023 to present the financial results for the disposal group
in the prior period as discontinued operations.
4.
Other information
4.1 No
persons are proposed to be appointed as directors of the Company in
connection with the Transaction.
4.2
There are no key individuals important to the business of the
Target Group (who are not already engaged by the Target
Group).
5.
Board's opinion
The Transaction is, in the opinion
of the Directors, in the best interests of the shareholders of the
Company as a whole.
PART B
The following information is
required to be disclosed in accordance with the requirements of
UKLR 7.3.2R (as required by UKLR TP 6.2R(3)
and UKLR TP 6.5R(2) for a mid-flight transaction) and was not
required to be included in the Original
Announcement.
1.
Financial Information
Appendix 2 includes the financial
information on the Target required in accordance with UKLR 7 Annex
2 Part 2.
2.
Legal and arbitration proceedings
2.1
Group
There are no governmental, legal or
arbitration proceedings (including any such proceedings which are
pending or threatened of which the Company is aware), during a
period covering at least the previous 12 months preceding the date
of this announcement, which may have, or have had in the recent
past significant effects on the Company and/or the Group's
financial position or profitability, save for the
following:
Tsabar Oil & Gas Ltd., et
al., vs Energean Israel, EEPH, Energean Oil & Gas S.A., Mathios
Rigas and Efstathios Topouzoglou
On 6 November 2019, Tsabar Oil &
Gas Ltd., Nammax Oil & Gas Ltd. and Med Sea Ltd. (together, the
"Tsabar Group"), which
entities are beneficially controlled by Beny Steinmetz, issued a
claim against Energean Israel Limited ("Energean Israel"), EEPH, Energean Oil
& Gas S.A., Mathios Rigas and Efstathios Topouzoglou (together,
the "Respondents"), in
respect of what was described in the claim as "Energean's
interests" in the project related to the Karish and Tanin gas
reservoirs, offshore Israel (the "Interests" and the "Project", respectively). The Tsabar
Group claims, inter alia,
that the Respondents breached agreements and understandings
allegedly reached in respect of the Tsabar Group's commercial stake
in the Project, should the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner not
approve its participation. The Tsabar Group is seeking a
declaratory relief stating that it is entitled to a share of
20%-25% in the Interests or financial compensation estimated at
$146.7 million; or, in the alternative, a declaratory relief
stating that it is entitled to a share in the Project of at least
10% or to a financial compensation estimated at $172.6 million. The
Israeli Petroleum Commissioner has suspended any participation by
the Tsabar Group, as controlled by Mr Steinmetz, in the potential
acquisition of any interest in Karish-Tanin. On the basis of legal
advice obtained to date, the Tsabar Group's claim is considered
more likely than not to be dismissed, and the matter is being
defended vigorously. The Statement of Defence of the Respondents,
filed in the Israeli courts on 21 May 2020, stated, among other
things, that the alleged agreements and understandings described by
the Tsabar Group in its claim never existed. The Respondents
further noted that the Tsabar Group has failed to show any evidence
that these alleged agreements and understandings existed and did
not include even minimal details of any such agreement in its
statement of claim. The Respondents also argued that the Tsabar
Group's claim should be dismissed due to failure to state a claim
and bad faith.
A preliminary hearing took place in
February 2023. Following the hearing, the Court decided to
bifurcate the questions of liability and damage, so claims
regarding the damages will only be heard if the Respondents are
found to be liable. The Court also referred the Tsabar Group and
Respondents to mediation, which was concluded after several
meetings. During 2023, the Tsabar Group and the Respondents
completed the documents discovery stage and are currently at the
witness statements stage of proceedings. The Tsabar Group filed
their affidavits on 3 January 2024 and the submission date for the
Respondents' affidavits is set for 1 September 2024. Another Court
hearing is currently scheduled for September 2024.
2.2
Target Group
There are no governmental, legal or
arbitration proceedings (including any such proceedings which are
pending or threatened of which the Company is aware), during a
period covering at least the previous 12 months preceding the date
of this announcement, which may have, or have had in the recent
past significant effects on the Target Group's financial position
or profitability, save for the following:
MATTM vs. Edison S.p.A. and
others for the indemnification of environmental damages arising
from the Vega field
On 30 May 2018, the Italian Ministry
of Environment ("MATTM") filed a law suit before the "Tribunale
civile di Catania" (a court in Catania) against Edison and others
asking for indemnification of certain environmental damages
(quantified in an aggregated amount of €76.5 million plus interest,
for which each defendant could be jointly liable) allegedly caused
by the waste disposal activities (mainly water re-injection)
carried out by Edison S.p.A. ("Edison") as operator of the Vega
field between 1989 and 2007.
In July 2022, the Court issued a
decision rejecting MATTM's indemnification claim. This decision was
subsequently appealed by MATTM before the Court of Appeal. On 4
June 2024, MATTM's appeal was rejected.
MATTM's may bring a further appeal
before the Court of Cassation. If the claim by MATTM is successful,
Energean Italy (as the owner of the Vega concession) may be liable
to contribute to, or satisfy in full, any payment of this
indemnification claim, and it is not possible to quantify any
potential payment at this stage. Edison has provided an indemnity
to the Target in the Edison Acquisition Agreement (as defined
below) in respect of any liability suffered by any member of the
Target Group in respect of this claim.
Energean Italy - Energean
Sicilia / Italian Tax Authority - windfall taxes and real estate
taxes
First windfall tax - Energean Italy
In connection with windfall profit
tax introduced by the Italian Ministry of Finance in March 2022,
Energean Italy paid a total amount of approximately €27
million.
In October 2023, Energean Italy
engaged "Studio Salvini law firm", a specialist tax advisor, to
advise on the possibility of appealing against the application of
the decree pursuant to which windfall profit tax was introduced as
unconstitutional and to assist with the preparation of the
reimbursement request. On 7 November 2023, Energean Italy filed a
reimbursement request for the full amount of the tax paid during
2022 and after 90 days the tax authority did not respond, thereby
rejecting the request. Following this, Energean Italy filed a claim
before the tax court at the end of March 2024.
On 27 June 2024, Constitutional
Court Ruling No. 111/2024 was published, which declared that the
windfall tax is constitutionally compatible, except for certain
details that are not relevant to the case filed by Energean Italy.
A hearing before the tax court was scheduled for 15 July 2024, but
it was postponed by the judge to enable Energean Italy to analyze
the impact of the Constitutional Court Ruling on its case. The next
hearing is set for 9 December 2024. At the next hearing the judge
will analyse the claims concerning a breach of EU law and will
consequently decide if the cases must be referred to the EU Court
of Justice.
Second windfall tax (EU Solidarity Contribution) - Energean
Italy and Energean Sicilia
In December 2022, a further windfall
tax was introduced in Italy following EU Regulation pursuant to
which Energean Italy paid €85 million in June 2023. Energean Italy
and Energean Sicilia filed a reimbursement request on 22 December
and 29 December 2023 respectively, which amounted to approximately
€87 million (€84 million for Energean Italy and €2.9 million for
Energean Sicilia) and after 90 days the tax authority did not
respond, thereby rejecting the request. Energean Italy filed a
claim before the tax court in March 2024 and Energean Sicilia filed
a claim in April 2024. The hearing for Energean Italy's case before
the tax court was scheduled for 15 July 2024, but it was postponed,
and a new date has not been set yet. At the next hearing the judge
will analyse the claims concerning a breach of EU law and will
consequently decide if the cases must be referred to the EU Court
of Justice. The hearing for Energean Sicilia case has not yet been
scheduled.
Imposta Municapale Unica and
Tassa sui Servizi Indivisibili Comunali real estate tax litigations
brought by Municipality of Scicli relating to offshore platforms,
penalties, sanctions and interest, with reference to tax years
2016-2019
On 9 December 2020, the Municipality
of Scicli issued a claim in relation to the Vega platform A for
alleged unpaid taxes, penalties and legal sanctions for a total
amount of €32,923,152.99 for the period from 2016 to
2019.
On 25 January 2021, Energean Italy
submitted an application to the Municipality of Scicli for
cancellation of the tax assessment, which was rejected. On 8
February 2021, Energean Italy filed an appeal against the above tax
assessment with the Ragusa Provincial Tax Commission.
On 9 December 2021, the CTP of
Ragusa upheld the request for cancellation of the tax assessment.
At the hearing of 12 October 2023, the case was referred for a
decision, which is awaited.
3.
Significant change
3.1
Group
There has been no significant change
in the financial position of the Group since 31 December 2023, the
end of the most recent financial period for which historical
financial information of the Group has been published.
3.2
Target Group
There has been no significant change
in the financial position of the Target Group since 31 December
2023, the end of the most recent financial period for which
historical financial information of the Target Group has been
published.
4.
Material Contracts
4.1
Group
The following contracts (not being
contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business) have
been entered into by members of the Group (i) within the two years
immediately preceding the date of this document which are or may
be, material or (ii) which contain any provision under which any
member of the Group has any obligation or entitlement which is
material to the Group as at the date of this
announcement:
4.1.1 Sale and Purchase
Agreement
Details of the Sale and Purchase
Agreement are set out in paragraph 1 of Part A of this Appendix
1.
4.1.2 2026 EIFL Notes,
2028 EIFL Notes and 2031 EIFL Notes
Overview
On 24 March 2021, Energean Israel
Finance Ltd. ("EIFL")
issued: (i) the 2026 EIFL Notes; (ii) the 2028 EIFL Notes; and
(iii) the 2031 EIFL Notes in three equal tranches of $625,000,000
under an indenture between EIFL and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. as trustee
(the "Trustee") dated 24
March 2021 as amended on 9 January 2023 (the "Indenture"). Under the Indenture, EIFL
also issued a further tranche of notes due March 2024 in the amount
of $625,000,000 which were redeemed in full on 30 September 2023
following the issue of the 2033 EIFL Notes.
Interest and Maturity
The 2026 EIFL Notes were issued in
the aggregate principal amount of $625,000,000 and will mature on
30 March 2026. Subject to redemption, prepayment, repayment, or
discharge in part or in full prior to the maturity date, the
principal amount shall be paid on the scheduled maturity date. The
2026 EIFL Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.875%. Interest on
the 2026 EIFL Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears and is payable
on 30 March and 30 September.
The 2028 EIFL Notes were issued in
the aggregate principal amount of $625,000,000 and will mature on
30 March 2028. Subject to redemption, prepayment, repayment, or
discharge in part or in full prior to the maturity date, the
principal amount shall be paid on the scheduled maturity date. The
2028 EIFL Notes bear interest at the rate of 5.375%. Interest on
the 2028 EIFL Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears and is payable
on 30 March and 30 September.
The 2031 EIFL Notes were issued in
the aggregate principal amount of $625,000,000 and will mature on
30 March 2031. Subject to redemption, prepayment, repayment, or
discharge in part or in full prior to the maturity date, the
principal amount shall be paid on the scheduled maturity date. The
2031 EIFL Notes bear interest at the rate of 5.875%. Interest on
the 2031 EIFL Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears and is payable
on 30 March and 30 September.
Security and
guarantees
The 2026 EIFL Notes, the 2028 EIFL
Notes and the 2031 EIFL Notes (together, the "Initial EIFL Notes") are secured
by:
· a
first priority Cypriot fixed pledge granted in favour of HSBC Bank
USA, N.A. as collateral agent (the "Collateral Agent") by Energean E&P
Holdings Limited ("EEPH")
on its rights and interests in the shares of Energean Israel
Limited (the "Sponsor")
("EEPH
Collateral");
· first
priority pledges granted in favour of the Collateral Agent by the
Sponsor with a first priority Israeli fixed charge over its rights
and interests in, amongst other things, its shares in EIFL and
Energean Israel Transmission Ltd. ("Transco"), certain
leases, licences and permits for hydrocarbon interests, certain accounts of the
Sponsor, certain material contracts and certain assets, a first
priority Marshall Island fixed pledge on the Energean Power FPSO
and a first priority Israeli floating charge on its rights and
interests in all of its platforms, pipelines, plant and machinery
and all of its present and future tangible and intangible assets of
any kind whether contingent or absolute (the "Sponsor Collateral"); and
· first
priority pledges granted in favour of the Collateral Agent by EIFL
with a first priority Israeli fixed charge over its rights and
interests in respect of the Sponsor Loan Agreement, as defined
below (and the respective promissory notes issued by the Sponsor)
and EIFL's accounts and a first priority Israeli floating charge on
its rights and interests in and to all of its present and future
tangible and intangible assets of any kind whether contingent or
absolute (the "Issuer
Collateral", and, together with EEPH Collateral and Sponsor
Collateral, the "Collateral").
The Initial EIFL Notes are not
guaranteed by the Company, EEPH, the Sponsor or any member of the
Target Group.
Ranking
The Initial EIFL Notes are secured
on a first-priority basis by the Collateral and constitute senior
secured debt obligations of EIFL ranking pari passu with the 2033 EIFL
Notes.
Certain Covenants and Events of Default
The Indenture contains a number of
covenants that, among other things, restrict EIFL's ability
to:
· sell
assets;
· incur
additional debt;
· create
on incur liens; and
· engage
in prohibited activities.
In addition, the Indenture contains
certain customary information covenants and events of
default.
Furthermore, pursuant to the sponsor
loan agreement dated 24 March 2021 between EIFL, the Sponsor and
the Trustee (the "Sponsor Loan
Agreement"), the Sponsor, EIF and Transco are restricted
(subject to certain exemptions) from:
· selling the working interests in the Sponsor group's projects
or other property assets;
· subject to certain distribution conditions, make distributions
on its equity;
· incur
additional debt;
· create
or incur liens; and
· engage
in prohibited activities.
The Sponsor Loan Agreement also
contain covenants that limit the EEPH's ability to create or incur
liens on the EEPH Collateral.
EIFL and the Sponsor have also
established various bank accounts that are pledged in favour of the
Collateral Agent. Each account has a specified purpose related to
the project, and the cash flows and allocation of funds in such
accounts are governed by the relevant accounts
agreement.
Each of these covenants is subject
to certain exceptions and qualifications.
4.1.3 2033 EIFL
Notes
Overview
On 11 July 2023, EIFL issued the
2033 EIFL Notes as additional notes under the Indenture, pursuant
to a supplemental indenture to the Indenture entered into on 11
July 2023 with an aggregate principal amount of $750,000,000. The
2033 EIFL Notes constitute a separate series from each series of
the Initial EIFL Notes under the Indenture but are treated as a
single class with the Initial EIFL Notes for all other purposes
under the Indenture, including with respect to waivers, amendments,
redemptions and offers to purchase.
Interest and Maturity
The 2033 EIFL Notes were issued in
the aggregate principal amount of $750,000,000 and will mature on
30 September 2033. Subject to redemption, prepayment, repayment, or
discharge in part or in full prior to the maturity date, the
principal amount shall be paid on the scheduled maturity date. The
2033 EIFL Notes bear interest at the rate of 8.500%. Interest on
the 2033 EIFL Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears and is payable
on 30 March and 30 September.
Security and
guarantees
The 2033 EIFL Notes are secured by
the Collateral.
The 2033 EIFL Notes are not
guaranteed by the Company, EEPH, the Sponsor or any member of the
Target Group.
Ranking
The 2033 EIFL Notes are secured on a
first-priority basis by the Collateral and constitute senior
secured debt obligations of EIFL ranking pari passu with the 2026 EIFL Notes,
the 2028 EIFL Notes and the 2031 EIFL Notes.
Certain Covenants and Events of Default
The 2033 EIFL Notes are subject to
the same covenants and conditions as the Initial EIFL Notes under
the Indenture, the Sponsor Loan Agreement and the accounts
agreements. For further details see the sub-section entitled
"Certain Covenants and Events of
Default" under paragraph 4.1.2 of Part B of this Appendix
1.
4.1.4 Revolving Credit
Facilities
On 8 September 2022, the Company
entered into: (i) a super senior multicurrency revolving facility
agreement (the "Super Senior
RCF") with ING Bank N.V. ("ING"), Goldman Sachs International,
J.P. Morgan Securities plc and Morgan Stanley Bank International
Limited as mandated lead arrangers and original lenders (the
"RCF Lenders"), the Target, Energean Egypt
Ltd and EEPH as guarantors (the "RCF Guarantors") and ING as the
facility agent (the "Facility
Agent") pursuant to which the RCF Lenders made available to
the Company a multicurrency revolving loan facility in the
aggregate amount of $183,333,333 (the "Super Senior Commitment"); and (ii) a
senior secured multicurrency revolving facility agreement (the
"Senior RCF", and, together
with the Super Senior RCF, the "Revolving Credit Facilities") with the
RCF Lenders as mandated lead arrangers and original lenders, the
Guarantors and the Facility Agent as the facility agent, pursuant
to which the RCF Lenders made available to the Company a
multicurrency revolving loan facility in the aggregate amount of
$91,666,667 (the "Senior
Commitment", and, together with the Super Senior Commitment,
the "Original
Commitments").
On 19 May 2023, the Original
Commitments were increased in accordance with the terms of the
Super Senior RCF and the Senior RCF so that the Super Senior
Commitment was increased to $200 million and the Senior Commitment
was increased to $100 million meaning the total commitments under
the Revolving Credit Facilities were $300,000,000.
Purpose
The purpose of entering into the
Super Senior RCF was: (i) to refinance letters of credit previously
issued under an existing bilateral letter of credit facility that
the Company entered into with ING on 18 November 2021; and (ii) for
financing the Company's general corporate purposes including
working capital requirements and exposure under letters of credit.
Under the Super Senior RCF, the Company may utilise the Super
Senior Commitment by way of Letters of Credit, the aggregate amount
of which shall not exceed $200,000,000.
The purpose of entering into the
Senior RCF was for general corporate purposes including working
capital requirements. Pursuant to the terms of the Senior RCF, the
Company is only entitled to draw from the Senior Commitment where
the Super Senior Commitment has been fully utilised.
The Revolving Credit Facilities may
not be used at any time to redeem, defease or repurchase the 2027
PLC Notes.
Interest and Maturity
Under the Revolving Credit
Facilities, the interest rate applied to any amounts drawn as loans
is set at 5% plus SOFR.
The Revolving Credit Facilities have
a duration of 36 months from the date of signing (which was 7
September 2022) and the Company shall be able to draw funds under
the facilities until the date falling 30 days prior to this
date.
Security and Guarantees
The Revolving Credit Facilities are
secured by the PLC Notes Collateral (as defined below) pursuant to
the terms of an intercreditor agreement between, among others, the
Company and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent dated
18 November 2021 (as amended on 8 September 2022) relating to the
PLC Notes Indenture (as defined below) (the "Intercreditor
Agreement").
The Revolving Credit Facilities are
guaranteed by the RCF Guarantors on an irrevocable and
unconditional joint and several basis.
Ranking
The Super Senior RCF ranks as super
senior secured obligations of the Company and the Senior RCF ranks
as senior secured obligations of the Company. The Super Senior RCF
will receive priority ahead of the 2027 PLC Notes and the Senior
RCF with respect to the receipt of proceeds of enforcement of the
collateral securing the Revolving Credit Facilities.
Financial Covenant
The Revolving Credit Facilities
require that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for each four-quarter
period, for which financial statements are prepared in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Revolving Credit Facilities,
be at least 2.25:1.
Certain Covenants and Events of Default
The Revolving Credit Facilities
contain undertakings and representations and warranties by the
Company and the RCF Guarantors that are customary for agreements of
this nature. Certain representations and warranties are repeated at
specified dates, including the date that any utilisation request is
submitted and the date a utilisation is made.
The Revolving Credit Facilities
contain customary event of default provision.
4.1.5 2027 PLC
Notes
Overview
On 18 November 2021, the Company
issued the 2027 PLC Notes with an aggregate principal amount of
$450,000,000 under an indenture between the Company and GLAS Trust
Company LLC as trustee (the "PLC
Notes Trustee") and
GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent dated 18 November
2021 (the "PLC Notes
Indenture").
Interest and Maturity
The 2027 PLC Notes were issued in
the aggregate principal amount of $450,000,000 and will mature on
30 April 2027. Subject to redemption, prepayment, repayment, or
discharge in part or in full prior to the maturity date, the
principal amount shall be paid on the scheduled maturity date. The
2027 PLC Notes bear interest at the rate of 6.5%. Interest on the
2027 PLC Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears and is payable on
30 April and 30 October.
Guarantees and Security
The 2027 PLC Notes are jointly and
severally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by EEPH, the Target
and Energean Egypt Ltd (the "PLC
Note Guarantors"). The guarantees provided by the PLC Note
Guarantors are subject to the terms of the Intercreditor
Agreement.
The 2027 PLC Notes are secured
by contractual first priority liens over,
among other things, the shares of Energean Italy S.p.A., Energean
Capital Ltd, Energean Egypt Ltd, material bank accounts of the
Company and the PLC Note Guarantors, material intercompany loans
owed by the Company or the PLC Note Guarantors to non-guarantor
group entities, and a floating charge over all of the assets of the
Company (other than its shares in EEPH) (the "PLC Notes Collateral").
The 2027 PLC Notes are not
guaranteed by Energean Israel
Limited or any subsidiaries of
Energean Israel Limited.
Ranking
The 2027 PLC Notes are senior
secured obligations secured by first priority liens over the PLC
Notes Collateral, but receive proceeds from any enforcement of
security over the PLC Notes Collateral only after any obligations
under certain indebtedness including the Super Senior RCF has been
paid in full. The 2027 PLC Notes rank pari passu in right of payment with
all existing and future secured obligations of the Company. The
2027 PLC Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and
future obligations of the Company's subsidiaries that do not
guarantee the 2027 PLC Notes, including the 2026 EIFL Notes, the
2028 EIFL Notes, the 2031 EIFL Notes, and the 2033 EIFL Notes. The
2027 PLC Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by the PLC Note
Guarantors subject to certain limitations.
Certain Covenants and Events of Default
The PLC Notes Indenture governing
the 2027 PLC Notes contains a number of covenants that, among other
things, restrict the Company's ability to:
· incur
additional debt and issue guarantees and preferred
stock;
· make
certain payments including dividends and other distributions with
respect to outstanding share capital;
· repay
or redeem subordinated debt or share capital;
· create
or incur certain liens;
· impose
restrictions on the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends or
other payments to the Company;
· make
certain investments, acquisitions or loans;
· sell,
lease or transfer certain assets, including shares of any
restricted subsidiary of the Company;
· guarantee certain types of other indebtedness of the Company
or its restricted subsidiaries without also guaranteeing the 2027
PLC Notes;
· merge
or consolidate with other entities, or make certain asset sales;
and
· enter
into certain transactions with affiliates.
Each of these covenants is subject
to certain exceptions and qualifications.
In addition, the PLC Notes Indenture
contains certain customary information covenants and events of
default.
4.1.6 Karish Engineering,
Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning
Contract
Energean Israel entered into
lump-sum turnkey engineering, procurement, construction,
installation and commissioning contracts with Technip UK Limited
("Technip UK"), Technip
France SA and the Israeli branch of Technip Ships One Limited
(together, "Technip") in
respect of the development of the Karish field, including the
construction and delivery of the Energean Power FPSO, effective 2
March 2018, as subsequently amended (the "Technip Karish EPCIC
Contract").
Completion of the project was
initially scheduled to occur no later than 31 March 2021. Such date
was subsequently extended to 30 August 2022. A practical completion
certificate was issued by Energean Israel to Technip on 18 June
2023.
Pursuant to the Technip Karish EPCIC
Contract, Energean Israel agreed to pay Technip approximately $1.39
billion for delivery of the project. The Technip Karish EPCIC
Contract contains typical EPCIC contractor warranties and certain
mutual indemnities for a contract of this kind. A defects
correction period is available for 21 months following practical
completion, to be extended by up to 12 months for defects in
modifications and repairs. Under the terms of an amendment
agreement between Energean Israel and Technip signed in February
2024, the remaining amount payable under the Technip Karish EPCIC
Contract has been reduced to $210 million (payable in twelve equal
quarterly deferred payments starting in March 2024) and Energean
Israel has taken responsibility for the performance of certain
outstanding works.
Energean Israel is entitled to set
off amounts owed to Technip against amounts due from Technip, and
to withhold payment for defective work and disputed amounts in any
invoice. The total cumulative liability of Technip to Energean
Israel under the Technip Karish EPCIC Contract shall not exceed a
cap based on the contract price, subject to exceptions. A
performance bond equal currently to 5% of the contract price has
been provided by Technip and will remain in place until no earlier
than the end of the defects correction period.
4.1.7 Katlan Integrated
Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation
Contract
Energean Israel entered into an
integrated engineering, procurement, construction and installation
contract with TechnipFMC through its subsidiary Technip UK in
respect of the subsea development of the Katlan field, effective 15
April 2024 (the "TechnipFMC Katlan
iEPCI™ Contract"). The TechnipFMC Katlan iEPCI™ Contract is
part of the Katlan development project. The capital expenditure of
the overall development is expected to be approximately US$1.2
billion. This capital expenditure includes a four-well-slot tieback
capacity to a single large approximately 30 kilometre production
line, which can be used by future Katlan area phases, an upgrade of
the Energean Power FPSO topsides related to MEG treatment,
injection and storage (which will benefit all future subsea
tie-back developments) and drilling the first two production wells
of the Katlan development.
The contract includes an agreed
milestone schedule on the basis of which payment is to be made.
Mechanical completion of the project is scheduled to occur no later
than 31 December 2026.
The TechnipFMC Katlan iEPCI™
Contract provides for customary daily liquidated damages for
delays, which are subject to cap based on a percentage of the
contract price.
The contract contains typical EPCI
contractor warranties including an undertaking to correct or remedy
any works that do not comply with such warranties. Technip UK's
aggregate liability to Energean Israel under the TechnipFMC Katlan
iEPCI™ Contract shall not exceed a cap based on the contract price,
subject to exceptions.
The TechnipFMC Katlan iEPCI™
Contract also contains provisions typical for a contract of this
kind regarding suspension, termination, force majeure, variation,
intellectual property, dispute resolution, the duty to cooperate
and reporting, including regarding monthly reports and
documentation of milestone payment claims.
4.1.8 Anchois Farm-In
Agreement
On 7 December 2023, Energean entered
into a farm-in agreement with Chariot Limited ("Chariot") (the "Farm-In Agreement") pursuant to which
Energean agreed to farm into a 45% working interest in the Lixus
offshore licence, which contains the Anchois gas development
(Chariot 30%, ONHYM 25%), and a 37.5% working interest in the
Rissana licence (Chariot 37.5%, ONHYM 25%). Completion of the
Farm-In Agreement was announced in April 2024, following receipt of
the requisite approvals from the Moroccan Authorities. Pursuant to
the Farm-In Agreement, Energean has assumed operatorship for both
licences.
As consideration for the interests
in the licences, Energean agreed to:
· pay $10 million cash consideration on closing of the
transaction;
· carry Chariot for its share of pre-FID costs (which are
recoverable from Chariot's future revenues, see terms below), up to
a gross expenditure cap of $85 million, covering drilling of the
appraisal well, all other pre-FID costs and up to $7 million of
seismic expenditure on the Rissana licence; and
· pay $15 million in cash, which is contingent on FID being
taken on the Anchois Development.
Following the drilling of the
appraisal well, Energean has the option to increase its working
interest in the Lixus licence (which includes the Anchois
development) by 10%, to 55%. On exercise of this option, the amount
payable would be:
· Chariot's choice between either (i) a 5-year, $50 million of
convertible loan notes with a GBP20 strike price and 0% coupon; or
(ii) 3 million Energean plc shares, issued immediately upon
exercise of the option but subject to a lock-up period until the
earlier of first gas and 3 years post FID;
· Energean will pay to Chariot a 7% royalty for every dollar
achieved on gas prices (post transportation costs) in excess of a
base hurdle; and
· An agreement to carry Chariot's 20% share of development costs
for the Anchois development with the following terms (i) a net
expenditure cap of $170 million, (ii) the carry available for
development costs is reduced by costs carried in the pre-FID phase;
and (iii) all carried amounts are recoverable from 50% of Chariot's
future revenues with interest charged at SOFR + 7%.
If the option is not exercised,
subject to FID, the partners have agreed to progress the Anchois
development with an ownership structure of Energean 45%, Chariot
30%, ONHYM 25%. All amounts carried by Energean on behalf of
Chariot would be recoverable from Chariot's future revenues under
the same terms as above.
4.1.9 Edison Acquisition
Agreement
Details of the Edison Acquisition
Agreement are set out in paragraph 4.2 of Part B of this Appendix
1. The Company has guaranteed the payment obligations of the Target
under the Edison Acquisition Agreement, including in respect of the
Cassiopea Consideration.
4.2
Target Group
The following contracts (not being
contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business) have
been entered into by members of the Target Group (i) within the two
years immediately preceding the date of this document which are or
may be, material or (ii) which contain any provision under which
any member of the Target Group has any obligation or entitlement
which is material to the Target Group as at the date of this
announcement:
4.2.1 Edison Acquisition
Agreement
The Company (as guarantor), the
Target (as purchaser) (the "Edison
Purchaser") and Edison entered into a share sale and
purchase agreement on 4 July 2019 (the "Edison Acquisition Agreement") for the
acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Edison E&P (the
"Edison Acquisition"). In
addition, Edison, the Edison Purchaser and the Company entered into
a tax deed to govern the allocation of tax liabilities relating to
the Edison Acquisition prior to and with effect from 31 December
2018.
On 2 April 2020, the Company, the
Edison Purchaser and Edison entered into an amendment agreement to
the Edison Acquisition Agreement, pursuant to which the parties
agreed (inter alia) to exclude the Algerian interests of Edison
E&P from the perimeter of the Edison Acquisition. On 28 June
2020, the Company, the Edison Purchaser and Edison entered into a
further amendment agreement to the Edison Acquisition Agreement,
pursuant to which the parties agreed (inter alia) to exclude the
Norwegian interests of Edison E&P from the perimeter of the
Edison Acquisition and to amend the contingent consideration
payable in respect of the Cassiopea development, offshore
Italy.
Following the exclusion of the
Algerian and Norwegian interests from the transaction perimeter and
certain other agreed adjustments, the initial consideration for the
Edison Acquisition was amended to $284 million, to be adjusted for
working capital and on provisions and other adjustments at the
economic reference date of the transaction (1 January 2019) that
were provided for under the original Edison Acquisition Agreement.
Edison and Energean also agreed to amend the terms of the
contingent consideration for the Cassiopea development, offshore
Italy, which is payable no later than 90 days after the first day
of the month following the first month in which commercial gas
production from the Cassiopea development has continued on a
regular basis for at least 25 days (the "Cassiopea Consideration"). The revised
consideration varies from between nil and $100 million, depending
upon the average of the year one and year two Italian PSV Natural
Gas Futures price at the date of first gas production. No payment
will be due if the arithmetic average of the year one (i.e., the
first year after first gas production) and year two (i.e., the
second year after first gas production) Italian PSV Natural Gas
Futures prices is less than €10/Mwh (equivalent to approximately
$3.4/mcf) when first gas production is delivered from the field.
$100 million is payable if that average price exceeds €20/Mwh
(equivalent to approximately $6.8/mcf). The Cassiopea Consideration
remains outstanding as at the date of this announcement.
Edison provided certain indemnities
to the Edison Purchaser and the Target in respect of the operations
of the Edison E&P group, together with customary warranties to
the Edison Purchaser (including inter alia with respect to
incorporation, capacity, and authority, ownership of the assets of
the Edison E&P group and insolvency), subject to certain
limitations.
The Edison Acquisition Agreement is
governed by English law. Any dispute arising in respect of the
Edison Acquisition Agreement shall be referred to and finally
resolved by arbitration under the Rules of the London Court of
International Arbitration.
Appendix 2
Financial Information on the
Target
The following historical financial
information relating to the Target Group's performance has been
extracted without material adjustment from the consolidation
schedules that underlie the Energean plc audited consolidated
financial statements for the 12-month reporting periods ended 31
December 2022 and 31 December 2023. The audit reports in respect of
these annual consolidated financial statements were unqualified,
and copies of those financial statements are available on the
Company's website and at its registered address: Accurist House, 44
Baker Street, London, United Kingdom, W1U 7AL.
EY LLP served as the auditor for
Energean plc during the periods presented and subsequently up to
the date of this announcement.
The historical financial information
provided here does not constitute statutory accounts as defined by
section 434 of the Companies Act 2006, nor does it represent
consolidated accounts under UK-adopted International Financial
Reporting Standards. Instead, these figures are carve-out accounts
of the Target Group, assembled under the following assumptions to
illustrate the contribution of the Target Group within the Energean
plc group:
· Related Party
Transactions: Interest income and
expenses, allowances for related party loans, and costs incurred
from transactions between the Target Group and other entities
within the Energean plc group (continuing operations) were not
eliminated in the carve-out accounts, reflecting the related party
transactions for the Target Group.
· Exclusion of Certain
Investments: The Target indirectly
holds 100% in two Energean plc group companies (the North Sea
Assets) that will be transferred out of the Target Group prior to
Completion. As these operations do not form part of the Target
Group, the investment was excluded from the carve-out accounts
presented below.
· Allocation of Central
Costs: The carve-out accounts
reflect the allocation of central Energean plc group costs to the
Target Group, indicating services provided centrally. This suggests
that the Target Group might have reported different results if it
had operated as a separate business during the periods
presented.
The carve-out accounts were prepared
on a basis consistent with the accounting policies adopted in the
Group's latest annual accounts, being the 2023 annual
accounts.
Additional Information
Shareholders are advised to review
the full details of the disposal and its implications for the
Energean plc group's financial performance, which will be provided
in the forthcoming announcements and interim consolidated financial
statements. All relevant documents will be made available on the
Company's website and its registered address.
Carve-out income statement of the Target Group for 12 months
reporting periods ending 31 December 2022 and 31 December
2023:
|
31 December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
|
'$000
|
'$000
|
Revenue
|
447,491
|
673,983
|
Cost of Sales
|
(254,484)
|
(280,475)
|
Gross profit
|
193,007
|
393,508
|
|
|
|
Administrative expenses
|
(17,207)
|
(20,684)
|
Exploration and evaluation
expenses
|
(2,728)
|
(3,087)
|
Change in decommissioning
provision
|
35,347
|
(26,051)
|
Expected credit loss
|
(4,508)
|
(565)
|
Other income
|
6,696
|
13,217
|
Other expenses
|
(1,041)
|
(7,267)
|
Operating profit
|
209,566
|
349,071
|
|
|
|
Finance income
|
7,231
|
3,260
|
Finance costs
|
(32,649)
|
(35,085)
|
Unrealised loss on
derivatives
|
(6,610)
|
(5,203)
|
Net foreign exchange loss
|
(13,568)
|
(2,646)
|
Profit before tax
|
163,970
|
309,397
|
|
|
|
Taxation expense
|
(89,556)
|
(116,778)
|
Profit for the year
|
74,414
|
192,619
|
|
|
|
(Supplementary information)
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDAX[5]
|
263,904
|
437,762
|
Carve-out net asset statement of the Target Group as at 31
December 2023:
|
31 December
2023
|
|
'$000
|
ASSETS
|
|
Non-current assets:
|
|
Property, plant and
equipment
|
1,000,749
|
Deferred tax assets
|
131,018
|
Other intangible assets
|
49,807
|
Other non-current assets
|
4
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
223,162
|
Loans receivable from related
party
|
179,621
|
Inventories
|
75,123
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
11,849
|
Total assets
|
1,671,333
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
Non-current liabilities:
|
|
Decommissioning provision
|
496,426
|
Loans payable to related
party
|
172,294
|
Long term lease liability
|
38,254
|
Other provisions
|
8,697
|
Other payables
|
341
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
Trade and other payables
|
430,387
|
Loans payable to related
party
|
98,551
|
Decommissioning
provisions
|
19,404
|
Short term lease
liability
|
7,821
|
Total Liabilities
|
1,272,175
|
|
|
NET
ASSETS
|
399,158
|
Appendix 3
Definitions
The following definitions apply
throughout this announcement, unless stated otherwise:
2026 EIFL Notes
|
$625m 4.875% Senior Secured Notes
due 2026 issued by EIFL
|
2027 PLC Notes
|
$450m 6.500% Senior Secured Notes
due 2027 issued by PLC
|
2028 EIFL Notes
|
$625m 5.375% Senior Secured Notes
due 2028 issued by EIFL
|
2031 EIFL Notes
|
$625m 5.875% Senior Secured Notes
due 2031 issued by EIFL
|
2033 EIFL Notes
|
$750m 8.500% Senior Secured Notes
due 2033 issued by EIFL
|
Board
|
the board of the Company comprising
the Directors
|
Borrower
|
CIEP Spin Midco 2 Ltd
|
Buyer
|
CIEP Spin BidCo Limited
|
Carlyle
|
Carlyle International Energy
Partners
|
Cassiopea Consideration
|
the contingent consideration of
$100m in connection with the Cassiopea development
|
Chariot
|
Chariot Limited
|
Collateral
|
the EEPH Collateral, the Sponsor
Collateral and the Issuer Collateral
|
Collateral Agent
|
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
|
COMESA
|
Common Market for Eastern and
Southern Africa
|
Company or Energean
|
Energean plc
|
Completion
|
completion of the Transaction in
accordance with the Sale and Purchase Agreement
|
Completion Date
|
the date of Completion
|
CPR
|
YE23 Competent Person's
Report
|
Directors
|
the directors of the
Company
|
Edison
|
Edison S.p.A.
|
Edison Acquisition
|
the acquisition by the Edison
Purchaser from Edison of 100% of the share capital of Edison
E&P
|
Edison Acquisition Agreement
|
the share sale and purchase
agreement entered into between the Company, the Edison Purchaser
and Edison dated 4 July 2019 (as amended)
|
Edison E&P
|
Edison Exploration & Production
S.p.A., a company incorporated in Italy, currently named Energean
Italy S.p.A.
|
Edison Purchaser
|
Energean Capital Limited
|
EEPH
|
Energean E&P Holdings Limited, a
company incorporated in Cyprus
|
EEPH Collateral
|
the first priority Cypriot fixed
pledge granted in favour of the Collateral Agent by EEPH on its
rights and interests in the shares of the Sponsor
|
Effective Date
|
31 December 2023
|
EIFL
|
Energean Israel Finance Ltd, a
company incorporated in Israel
|
Energean Israel or Sponsor
|
Energean Israel Limited, a company
incorporated in Cyprus
|
Facility Agent
|
ING (in its capacity as facility
agent)
|
Farm-In Agreement
|
the farm-in agreement entered into
between the Company and Chariot dated 7 December 2023
|
FCA
|
the UK Financial Conduct
Authority
|
FID
|
final investment decision
|
FSMA
|
Financial Services and Markets Act
2000 (as amended)
|
Group
|
the Company and its subsidiary
undertakings (excluding the Target Group)
|
Indenture
|
the indenture dated 24 March 2021 as
amended on 9 January 2023 between EIFL and the Trustee
|
ING
|
ING Bank N.V.
|
Initial EIFL Notes
|
the 2026 EIFL Notes, the 2028 EIFL
Notes and the 2031 EIFL Notes
|
Intercreditor Agreement
|
the intercreditor agreement between,
among others, the Company and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited dated
18 November 2021
|
Interests
|
Energean's interests in the
Project
|
Issuer Collateral
|
the first priority pledges granted
in favour of the Collateral Agent by the Issuer
|
Karish Fields
|
the Karish and Karish North
fields
|
Lender
|
the Company
|
MATTM
|
the Italian Ministry of
Environment
|
mid-flight transaction
|
as defined in UKLR TP
6.2R
|
Non-Completion Payment
|
the amount which the Buyer will be
liable to pay to Energean where Completion does not occur due to a
material breach by the Buyer of certain of its obligations under
the Sale and Purchase Agreement
|
North Sea Assets
|
Energean UK Limited and Energean
Exploration Limited, companies incorporated in England and
Wales
|
Original Announcement
|
the original announcement made by
the Company on 20 June 2024 in connection with the
Transaction
|
Original Commitments
|
the Super Senior Commitment and the
Senior Commitment
|
PLC
Notes Collateral
|
The contractual first priority liens
and floating charge constituting collateral for the 2027 PLC
Notes
|
PLC
Notes Guarantors
|
EEPH, the Target and Energean Egypt
Ltd
|
PLC
Notes Indenture
|
the indenture between the Company,
the PLC Notes Trustee and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as
security agent dated 18 November 2021
|
PLC
Notes Trustee
|
GLAS Trust Company LLC
|
Project
|
the project related to the Karish
and Tanin gas reservoirs, offshore Israel
|
RCF
Guarantors
|
EEPH, the Target and Energean Egypt
Ltd
|
RCF
Lenders
|
ING, Goldman Sachs International,
J.P. Morgan Securities plc and Morgan Stanley Bank International
Limited
|
Respondents
|
Energean Israel, EEPH, Energean Oil
& Gas S.A., Mathios Rigas and Efstathios Topouzoglou
|
Revolving Credit Facilities
|
the Super Senior RCF and the Senior
RCF
|
Sale and Purchase Agreement
|
the sale and purchase agreement
dated 19 June 2024 between Energean and the Buyer in respect of the
acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the
Target
|
Senior Commitment
|
$100,000,000
|
Senior RCF
|
the senior secured multicurrency
revolving facility agreement dated 8 September 2022 between the
Company, the RCF Lenders, the RCF Guarantors and the Facility
Agent
|
Sponsor Collateral
|
the first priority pledges granted
in favour of the Collateral Agent by the Sponsor
|
Sponsor Loan Agreement
|
the sponsor loan agreement dated 24
March 2021 between EIFL, the Sponsor and the Trustee
|
Super Senior Commitment
|
$200,000,000
|
Super Senior RCF
|
the super senior multicurrency
revolving facility agreement dated 8 September 2022 between the
Company, the RCF Lenders, the RCF Guarantors and the Facility
Agent
|
Target
|
Energean Capital Limited, a company
incorporated in Cyprus
|
Target Group
|
Energean Capital Limited and its
subsidiary undertakings (excluding the North Sea Assets)
|
Technip
|
Technip UK, Technip France SA and
the Israeli branch of Technip Ships One Limited
|
Technip Karish EPCIC Contract
|
the lump-sum turnkey engineering,
procurement, construction, installation and commissioning contracts
with Technip in respect of the development of the Karish field
effective 2 March 2018, as subsequently amended
|
TechnipFMC Katlan iEPCI™ Contract
|
the integrated engineering,
procurement, construction and installation contract with Technip UK
in respect of the subsea development of the Katlan field, effective
15 April 2024
|
Technip UK
|
Technip UK Limited
|
Topco
|
CIEP Spin Holdco Limited
|
Transaction
|
the proposed sale of the entire
issued share capital of the Target pursuant to the Sale and
Purchase Agreement
|
Transco
|
Energean Israel Transmission
Ltd.
|
Trustee
|
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
|
Tsabar Group
|
Tsabar Oil & Gas Ltd., Nammax
Oil & Gas Ltd. and Med Sea Ltd.
|
UK
Listing Rules or UKLRs
|
the rules and regulations made by
the FCA under the FSMA (as came into effect on 29 July 2024), and
as contained in the FCA's publication of the same name
|
Vendor Loan
|
the senior secured facility made
available by the Lender to the Borrower which will be deemed to be
utilised by way of a loan
|
Vendor Loan Agreement
|
the vendor loan agreement to be
entered into in connection with the Transaction at
Completion
|
All times referred to are London
times unless otherwise stated.
All references to legislation in
this document are to the legislation of England and Wales unless
otherwise stated. Any reference to any provision of any legislation
shall include any amendment, modification, re-enactment or
extension thereof.
Words importing the singular shall
include the plural and vice versa, and words importing the
masculine gender shall include the feminine or neutral
gender.