Ophir confirms offer to Salamander Energy

Following Salamander’s announcement on 27 October 2014, the Board of Ophir Energy plc has confirmed that a letter was subsequently sent to the Board of Salamander confirming the proposed terms of its possible share exchange offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Salamander.

Ophir confirms that it continues to be in discussions with Salamander.

Ophir says it believes there is compelling strategic logic for a combination of the two businesses that would substantially benefit the shareholders of both companies which include having have a strong balance sheet and enhanced operating capability in both Africa and South East Asia, with deep expertise across the key technical and commercial functions.

Ophir adds that the combined business, using its exploration track record and financial strength and Salamander’s established Asian operating platform, would be well positioned to exploit the rich opportunity set that exists in the South East Asia region.

A combination of Salamander and Ophir has the opportunity to accelerate exploration activity both in Block G4/50, Thailand and in the assets Ophir has recently acquired in Myanmar and Indonesia. The combination would give shareholders exposure to 21 production, development and exploration blocks in South East Asia, as well as Ophir’s extensive footprint in Africa.

Ophir will however remain an exploration-led upstream company. By selectively re-investing cash flow from Salamander’s current production, Ophir plans to develop the combined business in order to generate material cash flow and funding towards Ophir’s proven business model, that of continued  monetisation of exploration/appraisal success. 

Ophir adds there can be no certainty that an offer will be made or as to the terms of any such offer, should one be forthcoming.