Cobalt sells interest in Angola blocks for $1.75 billion

HOUSTON -- Sonangol and Cobalt International Energy have announced the signing of a sale and purchase agreement for Sonangol to acquire all of Cobalt’s 40% participating interest in Blocks 21/09 and 20/11 offshore Angola for $1.75 billion.

The agreement provides for a smooth transition to a new operator and underscores the parties’ commitment to attain the final investment decision for the Cameia development in Block 21/09 by year-end 2015 in order to deliver first oil from Cameia in 2018. Notwithstanding Cobalt’s continuing as operator for an interim period, all costs going forward will be borne by Sonangol.

Francisco Lemos José Maria, chairman and CEO of Sonangol, said, “Over the past seven years, Cobalt International Energy has had outstanding exploration success in Angola’s pre-salt, which will accrue considerable prosperity to the Angolan people over coming generations. We are thankful and appreciative of their efforts and dedication to the task and wish them well in their future endeavors in the global industry.”

“We are proud of the tremendous success that our partnership with Sonangol has achieved in opening the pre-salt play in the Kwanza basin with five significant discoveries and a deep portfolio of exploration prospects,” said Joseph H. Bryant, Cobalt’s chairman and CEO. “We remain committed to continuing our joint efforts with Sonangol to move the Cameia development project to sanction by year end.” 

This transaction, which has an effective date of Jan. 1, 2015, is subject to customary Angolan government approvals, which are expected prior to the end of the year.