CALGARY - Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) is tightening its grip on the Fort Hills oil sands project by paying $310 million to acquire an additional 10 per cent interest from one of its two partners.
The seller is Total E&P Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of Paris-based Total SA, which will retain a 29.2 per cent interest - remaining the second-largest partner after Suncor.
Once the transaction closes, Suncor will own 50.8 per cent of the project and 20 per cent will be owned by Teck Resources Ltd., which has waived its right to increase its share proportionately.
Suncor said the transaction - which can be undertaken within its current capital spending plan for 2015 - underscores the Calgary-based oil and gas producer's confidence in its position within the oilsands.
“With engineering over 90 per cent complete and construction surpassing 40 per cent, Fort Hills is on track, with first oil expected in the fourth quarter of 2017,” said Suncor president and CEO Steve Williams.