Total Buys Maersk Oil
A.P. Møller - Maersk signed an agreement to sell Maersk Oil to Total for $7.45 billion on Monday.
Total will take over Maersk Oil’s entire organization, portfolio, obligations and rights with minimal pre-conditions. Planned development schedules and investments in strategic and sanctioned projects will be upheld.
With the agreement A.P. Moller - Maersk is taking a material step forward in its strategy to separate out its oil and oil related activities. The separation of the energy businesses was decided as part of last year’s strategic decision to focus A.P. Moller - Maersk’s future activities on transport and logistics, as well as a result of recent years’ oil and gas industry and market developments. Maersk Oil is the first of the four energy companies of A.P. Moller - Maersk for which a future structural solution has now been identified. The solutions for Maersk Drilling, Maersk Supply Service and Maersk Tankers remain to be defined before the end of 2018.
“In determining the best future ownership structure for Maersk Oil, it has been imperative for us that the capabilities and assets created in Maersk Oil continue to be developed and that long-term investments are upheld, especially in the Danish part of the North Sea,” says Søren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller - Maersk and continues:
“The valuation of Maersk Oil and Total’s commitment is a testament to the quality and standing of Maersk Oil. In addition, the agreement will strengthen the financial flexibility of A.P. Moller - Maersk and free up resources to focus our future growth on container shipping, ports and logistics.”
Denmark will become the regional hub for all Total’s operations in Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands, based on Maersk Oil’s capabilities and strong position in the North Sea region.
“By selling to Total, we ensure a continued Danish stronghold in the North Sea based on Maersk Oil’s leading position within technology development and its track record as a lean, efficient and trusted partner. Importantly, Maersk Oil will remain close to its technology and innovation partners at the Danish technical institutions and in the oil and gas service industry to the benefit of all parties,” says Claus V. Hemmingsen, Vice CEO of A.P. Moller - Maersk and CEO of the Energy division.
A.P. Moller - Maersk has been the main operator in the Danish North Sea for half a century, establishing and maintaining Denmark’s position as self-sufficient within oil and gas. In addition, Maersk Oil has significant presence in the British and Norwegian sectors, with nine licenses in Norway, including an 8.44 percent ownership of Johan Sverdrup, one of Norway’s largest discoveries ever. In the United Kingdom, Maersk Oil operates several offshore installations, as well as leading a number of project developments; most notably the Culzean gas development, where Maersk Oil is the operator and holds a 49.9 percent ownership.
The agreement is subject to regulatory approval from relevant authorities, including the Danish Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate and relevant competition authorities. Closing is expected to take place during first quarter, 2018.