CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Jan. 18, 2011) -

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Birchcliff Energy Ltd. ("Birchcliff") (TSX:BIR) Birchcliff is pleased to report that Mr. Seymour Schulich informed Birchcliff he has acquired control and direction over 1,000,000 common shares of Birchcliff under a Private Agreement Exemption from a single seller.

As a result of this purchase, Mr. Schulich currently owns or exercises control and direction over 33,000,000 common shares of Birchcliff. Mr. Schulich's current shareholdings represent approximately 26.4% of the current issued and outstanding common shares of Birchcliff. Mr. Schulich has advised Birchcliff that he has acquired the 1,000,000 shares for investment purposes. Mr. Schulich has also indicated that he will review his holdings from time to time and that he may increase or decrease his position as future circumstances may dictate.

Birchcliff is a publicly traded company that trades on the TSX Exchange under the symbol "BIR".