The assets to be sold comprise a 25% interest in the Kambuna gas field in Indonesia, a 24.6% interest in the Kutai PSC in Indonesia and a 33.33% interest in the Block 06/94 PSC in Vietnam. The consideration to be paid by KrisEnergy for these assets is $98.6m in cash.
Following this sale, Serica’s interests in Indonesia will comprise a 25% interest in the Kambuna field, a 30% interest in the Kutai PSC and a 100% interest in the East Seruway PSC. The company will no longer hold any interests in Vietnam.
Coming shortly after the commencement of production from the Kambuna gas field in Indonesia, this sale is expected to enable Serica to focus its resources on next year’s exploration programme and on any suitable acquisitions. Completion of this transaction is subject to joint venture partner and regulatory approvals.
Paul Ellis, chief executive of Serica Energy, said: “I am delighted that we were able to reach this agreement with KrisEnergy since this provides Serica with capital to invest in our core growth areas into 2010. Having recently brought the Kambuna field into production we believe that this is the best time to monetise part of that asset.
“We have an exciting exploration programme next year. In the UK, we expect to be drilling two prospects in the first half of 2010, Oates and Conan, and in Indonesia, we expect to be drilling two or three wells in the second half in the Kutai PSC. These are all prospects where Serica operates the licences.”
