Neptune Energy completes acquisition of VNG Norge

LONDON -- Neptune Energy Group has announced the closing of the acquisition of VNG Norge AS, as signed on June 28.

The transaction adds three producing fields, two development projects and 42 licenses to Neptune Energy’s existing portfolio, consolidating the company amongst the top five independent producers on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, by equity production.

The VNG Norge asset base is highly complementary to Neptune Energy’s existing Norwegian portfolio, strengthening its equity position in the greater Njord area to 22.5% in Njord itself as well as a 30% interest in, and operatorship of, the Fenja development project. Fenja is a subsea development, which will be produced as a tie-back to the Njord production hub, and is scheduled to come on stream in 2021.

Jim House, CEO of Neptune Energy, said: “This acquisition represents an excellent strategic fit with our existing portfolio, adding competitive growth assets in core areas of the Norwegian Continental Shelf. It will further underpin Neptune’s Energy’s portfolio with broad operating skills in subsea development, drilling, production and engineering. The transaction is in line with our strategy of expanding our position in key jurisdictions with high quality and complementary assets.

“We look forward to welcoming the VNG Norge employees to Neptune Energy as we accelerate our ambition to create the leading independent international E&P business.”

VNG Norge net production for 2017 was 4,000 boed with a significant ramp up by 2022 as new production comes onstream. Net reserves and resources were more than 50 MMboe as of Dec. 31, 2017.