Hercules Offshore, Inc. announced today that it has acquired an additional 6.1 million shares of Discovery Offshore S.A. (“Discovery Offshore”) at an average price of NOK9.02 per share. With this latest purchase, Hercules Offshore has invested a total of approximately $34.1 million in Discovery Offshore, and currently holds a 28% ownership interest in Discovery Offshore.
“Since our initial investment in Discovery Offshore in January 2011, the fundamentals of the offshore drilling industry have strengthened, and demand for ultra high-specification jackup rigs remains exceptionally strong,” said John T. Rynd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hercules Offshore. “Once delivered in 2013, these rigs will be among the most technically capable jackups worldwide, servicing a growing niche market that requires the advanced capabilities these rigs can provide. Initial discussions with customers confirm our confidence in the rig design, and the robust demand that we anticipate for these rigs for the foreseeable future.”
Discovery Offshore is a Luxembourg-based company, focused on ownership of ultra high-specification jackup rigs. Discovery Offshore currently has two ultra high-specification jackup rigs under construction at Keppel FELS in Singapore, with delivery scheduled during the second and fourth quarter of 2013. Discovery Offshore also holds options for two additional jackup rigs. Hercules Offshore is overseeing the construction, marketing and operations of rigs owned by Discovery Offshore, as well as performing other corporate administrative functions required by Discovery Offshore.
[mappress] Source:Hercules Offshore ,September 14, 2011; Image: