Enerplus Closes Purchase of Bakken Oil Assets in Montana and Sale of Manitoba Assets
CALGARY, Dec. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Enerplus Corporation ("Enerplus") (TSX: ERF) (NYSE: ERF) is pleased to announce the closing of the previously disclosed acquisition of additional working interests in the Sleeping Giant area in the Elm Coulee field in Richland County, Montana for US$119 million including estimated closing adjustments. This acquisition includes approximately 6.2 million BOE of proved plus probable reserves, incremental daily production of approximately 1,550 BOE/day, and consolidates our working interest to approximately 90% in these operated leases. Total current production including the acquisition is approximately 7,300 BOE/day net to Enerplus.
We have also closed the sale of crude oil assets in Manitoba for $216 million including estimated closing adjustments. These assets were producing approximately 1,600 BOE/day of crude oil under waterflood and had an estimated 8.4 million barrels of estimated proved plus probable reserves associated with them.
These transactions are consistent with our strategy of focusing our portfolio through the sale of non-core assets and consolidating our interests in core areas. By reinvesting approximately half of the proceeds from the sale of our Manitoba assets, we have replaced the sold production, improved the concentration of our asset base and improved our operating metrics.
Enerplus is a North American energy producer with a diversified asset base of high-quality, low-decline oil and gas assets complemented by growth assets in resource plays with superior economics. We are focused on creating value for our investors through the successful development of our properties. Through our activities, we strive to provide investors with a competitive return comprised of both growth and income.
Electronic copies of our financial statements, news releases, and other public information are available on our website at www.enerplus.com.
Gordon J. Kerr
President & Chief Executive Officer
Enerplus Corporation