SIMPOR HIBISCUS TO ACQUIRE TOTALENERGIES BRUNEI FOR RM1.22 BLN

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd’s indirect wholly owned subsidiary Simpor Hibiscus Sdn Bhd has entered into a conditional share purchase agreement with TotalEnergies Holdings International B.V. to acquire the entire equity interest in TotalEnergies EP (Brunei) B.V. for RM1.22 billion.

The group noted that TotalEnergies EP (Brunei) was incorporated in the Netherlands, and via its branch is operating in Brunei Darussalam with its principal activity being hydrocarbon exploration and production, and owns a 37.5 per cent operated interest in Block B Maharajalela Jamalulalam (MLJ) field.

Hibiscus Petroleum said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today that the MLJ field is a high-quality gas asset located offshore Brunei.

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“Located in a prolific hydrocarbon-bearing region, the asset was discovered in 1989 and has been producing gas and condensate since 1999. The asset has long-term production rights of up to 15 years (expiring on Nov 23, 2039) if extended with the agreement of the joint venture parties.

“Other parties holding the remaining interest in the asset are Shell Deepwater Borneo Ltd (35 per cent) and Brunei Energy Exploration Sdn Bhd (27.5 per cent), a company ultimately owned by Brunei Minister for Finance Corporation,” it said.

The group said the funding of the proposed acquisition is expected to be sourced from a combination of internally generated funds and its existing debt or other facilities.

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Hibiscus Petroleum said this asset is expected to add a net of up to 21.7 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) to the group’s proven and probable (2P) oil reserves, an increase of 36 per cent from 60.9 MMboe to 82.6 MMboe as at Jan 1, 2024, while total daily net production of oil, condensate and gas is expected to increase by circa 7,865 boe per day from 21,398 boe per day to 29,263 boe per day in calendar year 2024.

This is expected to bring the gas production share of the group’s portfolio to almost 50 per cent, in line with the group’s energy transition strategy of acquiring gas-weighted assets in stable regulatory jurisdictions, it said.

“This transaction also represents a significant step towards fulfilling the group’s aspiration of becoming a net zero emissions producer by 2050. The group is set to gain multiple benefits from the proposed acquisition.

“Beyond acquiring a well established gas asset in Brunei and taking over its operations, the proposed acquisition further strengthens the group’s position as an independent exploration and production (E&P) player in the region,” it said.

Hibiscus Petroleum’s managing director Dr Kenneth Pereira said the additional volumes from this transaction are material for Hibiscus Petroleum and will provide an uplift of nearly 86 per cent to gas production while bringing the company closer towards achieving the 2026 Mission of growing the group’s net production to 35,000 to 50,000 boe per day.

“In addition, employees of TotalEnergies Brunei, who have been operating this Asset safely and efficiently for many years will be joining the group as part of the transaction. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“We welcome them and we look forward to working together to enhance the value of the asset safely and efficiently for all stakeholders. Most importantly, we are excited by the opportunity to work with our joint venture partners, Shell Deepwater Borneo, Brunei Energy Exploration as well as the government of Brunei,” he said.

In a separate filing, Hibiscus Petroleum announced that Bursa Malaysia has approved the company’s request for suspension in the trading of the securities of the company on the Main Market from 9 am until 5 pm on Friday 14 June 2024, and will resume from 9 am, Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

-- BERNAMA