HAMILTON, Norway, Jan. 18, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- As it remains unclear whether SeaDrill Limited ("SeaDrill") (Other OTC:SDRLF) (Oslo:SDRL) will receive more than 50% of the SME shares (class A shares) by 18.00 CET today, SeaDrill has decided to extend the offer period to Friday 20 January, 2006, 16:30 CET, as described in the offer letter and notice to Oslo Bors dated 10 January, 2006. SeaDrill retains the right to withdraw the offer at any time as further described in the above mentioned offer letter and notice.
Bermuda, January 18, 2006.