Kosmos Energy to acquire Gulf of Mexico operator for $1.2B

Offshore oil and gas explorer and producer Kosmos Energy has entered into an agreement to acquire Gulf of Mexico operator Deep Gulf Energy (DGE) from First Reserve and other shareholders.

Kosmos said on Monday that the company would acquire the deepwater operator for a total consideration of $1.225 billion, subject to certain adjustments.

The company added that, by acquiring DGE, it added to its deepwater Atlantic Margin portfolio an established business with attractive assets and a strong record of growing production and reserves through infrastructure-led exploration.

“This immediately accretive acquisition enhances the scale of the company and is expected to generate significant free cash flow, enabling Kosmos to return cash to shareholders through a dividend, beginning in the first quarter of 2019,” Kosmos said.

Cash from existing credit facilities

Under the terms of the transaction, Kosmos will acquire DGE for total consideration of $1.225 billion, comprised of $925 million in cash and $300 million in Kosmos common shares issued to First Reserve, management, and other DGE shareholders.

The company intends to fund the cash portion of the purchase price with borrowings under its existing credit facilities. In connection with the transaction, Kosmos has received $200 million of additional firm commitments to increase its reserves-based loan facility capacity.

The acquisition is expected to close around the end of the third quarter 2018, subject to receipt of regulatory approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

‘Deepwater can compete with shale’

With this acquisition, Kosmos will add approximately 25,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) production (around 85% oil), growing 2018 pro forma production by 50% from approximately 45,000 to 70,000 boed.

Kosmos’ will also add estimated 2P reserves of approximately 80 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), increasing total 2P reserves by 40% from over 200 mmboe to approximately 280 mmboe.

“With many competitors leaving the Gulf of Mexico to chase onshore shale plays, a huge opportunity has opened in the basin.

Andrew G. Inglis, chairman and CEO, said: “With this acquisition, Kosmos continues to grow into a larger, more balanced exploration and production company […]. Over the last four years, Kosmos has doubled production, and this acquisition creates the platform to double production again in the next four years.

“With many competitors leaving the Gulf of Mexico to chase onshore shale plays, a huge opportunity has opened in the basin. The best deepwater assets can compete with the best of shale, and now is a good time to enter the Gulf of Mexico.”