THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET
ABUSE REGULATION (EU NO. 596/2014).
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A PROSPECTUS OR
PROSPECTUS EQUIVALENT DOCUMENT. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING OF
HIGH YIELD NOTES, RETAIL NOTES OR NEW ORDINARY SHARES. ANY DECISION TO PURCHASE,
SUBSCRIBE FOR, OTHERWISE ACQUIRE, SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF ANY NEW HIGH
YIELD NOTES, EXISTING RETAIL NOTES, AMENDED RETAIL NOTES OR NEW ORDINARY SHARES
MUST BE MADE ONLY ON THE BASIS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN AND INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE INTO THE PROSPECTUS OR THE EXPLANATORY STATEMENT (AS APPLICABLE)
ONCE PUBLISHED.. COPIES OF THE EXPLANATORY STATEMENT WILL, FOLLOWING
DISTRIBUTION ELECTRONICALLY, BE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT THE OFFICES OF ASHURST
LLP, BROADWALK HOUSE, 5 APPOLD STREET, LONDON EC2A 2AG AND ON THE COMPANY'S
INFORMATION AGENT WEBSITE AT WWW.LUCID-IS.COM/ENQUEST AND THE PROSPECTUS WILL,
FOLLOWING PUBLICATION, BE AVAILABLE FROM THE REGISTERED OFFICE OF ENQUEST PLC
AND (SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS) ON ITS WEBSITE AT WWW.ENQUEST.COM.
THE NEW ORDINARY SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND MAY NOT BE
OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE
EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE NEW
ORDINARY SHARES WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND WILL NOT BE
OFFERED OR SOLD TO THE PUBLIC IN THE UNITED STATES.
THE NEW HIGH YIELD NOTES TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE SCHEME WILL NOT BE
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND WILL BE ISSUED IN RELIANCE UPON THE
EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY
SECTION 3(a)(10) THEREOF.
EnQuest PLC, 13 October 2016
Launch of the proposed financial restructuring of EnQuest PLC
**Amendment: Lucid website link has been changed to the correct address**
Overview
The Board of EnQuest PLC today announces the launch of a proposed financial
restructuring of the Group (the “Restructuring”) which the Company has agreed
with its key stakeholders following an extensive period of engagement and
negotiation.
The Restructuring is comprised of a number of key elements, including the
implementation of the Proposed RCF Amendments and the Proposed Note Amendments,
the renewal of the Surety Bond Facilities and the Placing and Open Offer (which
terms are explained further below). All of these elements are inter-conditional,
meaning that none of the elements will become effective if any one of them is
not delivered. So the Restructuring would not proceed if for example, the Scheme
to effect the Proposed Note Amendments is not approved by the requisite
majorities of Scheme Creditors or if the shareholder Resolutions in connection
with the Placing and Open Offer are not approved by Shareholders.
The Company believes that, if successful, the Restructuring will provide the
Group with a stable and sustainable capital structure, reduced cash debt service
obligations and greater liquidity. These will all contribute to the continued
delivery by the Group of its strategic objectives.
Jock Lennox, Chairman of EnQuest, said:
“We are very pleased to announce today a comprehensive package of measures to
place EnQuest on a strong footing to deliver our Kraken development in H1 2017
and ensure that we are well placed to deliver value to our shareholders in the
medium term.
Over the last two years, EnQuest has taken action to implement extensive cost
saving programmes to refocus the business for the low oil price environment,
including reducing and re-phasing both capital and operating expenditures.
Simultaneously, EnQuest has been working on a range of other funding and
liquidity options, which culminate in the Restructuring announced today. We have
agreed a range of improvements on the terms of our debt facilities and we remain
grateful to our RCF lenders for their continuing support. We have also reached
agreement with approximately 61 per cent of our High Yield Noteholders on the
Proposed Note Amendments.
The proposed Restructuring, which encompasses amendments to EnQuest’s existing
RCF facility, amendments to the High Yield Notes and the Retail Notes, the
renewal of the Company’s Surety Bond Facilities and the Placing and Open Offer
which is expected to raise £82 million in gross proceeds, will significantly
improve the liquidity position of the Company so that EnQuest can deliver first
oil from the Kraken development in H1 2017 in accordance with management’s
projections. The Kraken development continues to be on track with the FPSO set
for sail away in H2 2016.
The Board remains confident in the long term potential of the EnQuest business
plan, and is of the view that the proposed Restructuring, will enhance value for
all stakeholders.”
Overview of the Restructuring
The key features of the Restructuring are:
Proposed RCF Amendments
· Certain amendments to the Existing RCF (the “Proposed RCF Amendments”), to,
amongst other things:
· extend the final maturity date of the Existing RCF to October 2021;
· split the maximum aggregate commitments into a term loan facility and a
revolving credit facility, amend the margin on each of the facilities and cancel
the existing accordion feature;
· amend the Existing RCF amortisation profile;
· relax certain of the financial covenants in the Existing RCF; and
· incorporate terms to allow for new super senior hedging.
· All of the Existing RCF Lenders and all of the Group's Hedging Banks have
locked-up to support the Restructuring by entering into a formal agreement (the
"Lock-up Agreement") pursuant to which they have agreed to, among other things,
vote in favour of the Proposed RCF Amendments.
Proposed Note Amendments
· Certain amendments to the High Yield Notes and the Retail Notes (the
“Proposed Note Amendments”) are being proposed to, amongst other things:
· add a condition to payment of interest in cash based on, amongst other
things, the average prevailing oil price (dated Brent future (as published by
Platts)) for the six month period immediately preceding the day which is one
month prior to the relevant interest payment date being at least $65.00/bbl;
otherwise interest payable is to be capitalised;
· amend the maturity dates of the High Yield Notes and the Retail Notes to
April 2022, with an option exercisable by the Company (at its absolute
discretion) to extend the maturity date by one year and an automatic further
extension of the maturity date to October 2023 if the Existing RCF is not fully
repaid or refinanced by October 2020; and
· amend certain of the financial indebtedness baskets under the High Yield
Notes, remove the financial covenants under the Retail Notes, add new cross
default provisions and restrict the Company from paying any dividend or
distribution on any class of its shares until it has repaid or redeemed all
capitalised interest (if any) accruing on the Notes in cash at par, together
with any accrued but unpaid interest thereon.
· The Proposed Note Amendments will be effected through an English scheme of
arrangement (the “Scheme”), which must be approved by 50 per cent. in number and
75 per cent. in value of Scheme Creditors attending and voting at a meeting
convened with the permission of the English Court to consider the Scheme (the
“Scheme Meeting”). The High Yield Noteholders and the Retail Noteholders will
form a single class of creditors for the purpose of voting on the Scheme and
further information has been provided to each of them today with further detail
on the proposed terms of, and significant dates in relation to, the Scheme. As
noted above, all of the elements of the Restructuring are inter-conditional,
meaning that the Scheme will not become effective unless each of the other
elements of the Restructuring are approved and/or completed. In addition, the
Scheme is subject to the Company obtaining recognition of the Scheme under
chapter 15 of Title 11 of the United States Code.
· High Yield Noteholders representing approximately 61 per cent. of the High
Yield Notes have locked-up to support the Restructuring by entering into the
Lock-up Agreement, pursuant to which they have agreed to, among other things,
attend the Scheme Meeting in person or by proxy and to vote in favour of the
Proposed Note Amendments. These High Yield Noteholders have also agreed not to
take any enforcement action in relation to the interest payment due in respect
of the High Yield Notes on 17 October 2016.
· Due to the diverse nature of the holdings of the Retail Notes it was not
possible for the Company to approach all Existing Retail Note Holders in
advance, but the Restructuring proposal has been considered by a number of
significant Existing Retail Noteholders approached by the Company on a
confidential basis. The feedback from such Existing Retail Noteholders was
positive and the sample indicated support for the Restructuring from
professional investors.
Renewal of Surety Bond Facilities
· The Group's Surety Bond Providers (who provide instruments covering certain
decommissioning security obligations) have agreed to renew the Surety Bond
Facilities for a period of two years to the end of 2018 (with renewal in 2017
conditional on there being no relevant default at the time), provided that the
other elements of the Restructuring are completed.
Placing and Open Offer
· The Company proposes to raise aggregate gross proceeds of approximately
£82.0 million (equivalent to SEK 884 million at exchange rate of SEK 1.00 = GBP
0.0928, or approximately $100 million at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = GBP
0.8199, each on 12 October 2016), before expenses, of additional equity capital
pursuant to the Placing and Open Offer.
Background to and reasons for the Restructuring proposal
The decline in oil prices since 2014 and the continuing challenging oil price
environment have had a significant negative impact on the Group's revenues,
liquidity and available cash resources.
In response to the decline in oil prices, the Group has set a number of
strategic priorities, including delivering on execution, streamlining operations
and strengthening the Group's balance sheet. The Group has continued to focus on
delivering a strong operational performance and has also taken a number of
additional measures to address the impact of the decline in oil prices and the
Group's cash flow constraints, including the following:
· Negotiating the relaxation of certain financial covenants in the Existing
RCF and the Retail Notes
· Engaging in commodity hedging activities
· Divesting non-core assets
· Reducing operating costs
· Reducing capital expenditure on the Kraken development
· Improving future cash flows through the development of Kraken and
Scolty/Crathes
· Deferring certain trade creditor obligations
These measures have been significant steps in maintaining the Group's viability
in the current environment. However, a longer term solution is needed to
strengthen the Group's liquidity position, to reduce the burden of the Group's
cash debt service obligations and in order for the Group to continue pursuing
its business strategy and, in particular, to bring Kraken to first oil.
As noted above, these elements of the Restructuring are inter-conditional,
meaning that none of the elements will become effective if, for example, the
Scheme to effect the Proposed Note Amendments is not approved by the requisite
majorities of Scheme Creditors or if the shareholder Resolutions in connection
with the Placing and Open Offer are not approved by Shareholders.
The Restructuring has the support of stakeholders across the Group’s capital
structure:
· all of the Existing RCF Lenders have locked-up to support the
Restructuring, including by voting in favour of the Proposed RCF Amendments;
· all of the Group's hedging banks (the "Hedging Banks") have locked-up to
support the Restructuring, including by voting in favour of the Proposed RCF
Amendments;
· holders representing approximately 61 per cent. in aggregate principal
amount of the High Yield Notes (the holders of the High Yield Notes, the "High
Yield Noteholders") have locked-up to support the Restructuring, including by
voting in favour of the Scheme (as defined below) to effect the Proposed Note
Amendments (as defined below) and by agreeing not to take any enforcement action
in relation to the interest payment due in respect of the High Yield Notes on 17
October 2016;
· due to the diverse nature of the holdings of the Retail Notes it was not
possible for the Company to approach all Existing Retail Note Holders in
advance, but the Restructuring proposal has been considered by a number of
significant Existing Retail Noteholders approached by the Company on a
confidential basis; the feedback from such Existing Retail Noteholders was
positive and the sample indicated support for the Restructuring from
professional investors; and
· the Company has received the support of its surety bonds providers, who
have agreed to renew the Surety Bond Facilities subject to the successful
completion of the Restructuring.
Please see below the anticipated key transaction dates (a more detailed
timetable is included in Appendix II):
· 14 November 2016: Shareholder General Meeting
· 14 November 2016: Scheme Meeting
· 16 November 2016: Open Offer Period ends
· 16 November 2016: Scheme sanction hearing
· 17 November 2016: Chapter 15 recognition obtained. Results of Placing and
Open Offer
· 21 November 2016: Restructuring becomes effective. Settlement of newly
issued shares (T+2) – Transaction close
Current trading and future prospects, including trend information
Since 30 June 2016, the date of the Group’s most recent unaudited interim
financial statements, the Group has delivered against its strategic priorities
in the continuing lower price environment. Further action to reduce operating
and capital expenditure has been accompanied by sustained strength in
operations.
The Group announced in September 2016 that as a result of the further phasing of
milestone payments and despite additional capital expenditure on drilling the
Eagle discovery it was expecting to reduce full year 2016 cash capital
expenditure by approximately $30 million. The Kraken and Scolty/Crathes
development projects are continuing ahead of budget; the Kraken FPSO is on track
for sail away in the second half of 2016 and for first oil in H1 2017. In
October 2016, the Group is now reducing its gross full cycle capital expenditure
estimate for Kraken by approximately a further $100 million, down to
approximately $2.5 billion, mainly as a result of better performance on drilling
and subsea production systems. The Kraken FPSO is very close to mechanical
completion, with the focus now on pre-commissioning and commissioning
activities. All four engines and boilers are mechanically complete. The latest
reductions in the overall full cycle gross capex estimates for Kraken reduce
EnQuest’s 2016 net cash capital expenditure by a further $50 million, now down
to between $620 million and $670 million. The Scolty/Crathes development is also
ahead of schedule, with first oil expected to be delivered around the end of
2016. Average production guidance for the full year 2016 continues to be in the
range of 42,000 Boepd to 44,000 Boepd. Unit operating expenditure for the first
half of 2016 was $23/bbl, ahead of target. The Company anticipates full year
unit operating expenditure around the lower end of the $25-$27/bbl guidance for
the full year 2016. The Company continues to seek cost reductions across the
supply chain.
Substantial works have continued on Alma/Galia. The K1 (AP4) well required a
chemical treatment which has been successful and the workover of the K3z (AP1)
well, was carried out by early August, further increasing production. The
drilling of well K7, the replacement for the uncompleted K6, is in progress,
with completion operations underway. K7 should be online around the 2016 year
end. On GKA, the planned shutdown during the second half of the year was
delivered securely and successfully.
In line with its internal financial policies, the Group has continued to enter
into hedging arrangements. Since 30 June 2016, the Group has hedged 1MMbbl of
2017 production (83kbbls/month) at a fixed price of $51.50. The Group has also
sold 500,000 bbls per month for the first half of 2017 (3 MMbbls total) at a
fixed price of $49/bbl and has bought a call (nil cost) for the same notional
quantity, with a strike at $57.25. Should the price rise above $57.25, the Group
will receive the difference to offset the loss it would make on the $49/bbl
swaps). In addition, the Group has hedged 500,000 bbls for the first half of
2017 at $54.50.
Update on EnQuest Board Sub-committees
EnQuest also announces the following changes to the Audit and Remuneration
Committees with immediate effect
· Helmut Langanger has joined the Audit Committee; and
· Phil Holland has joined the Remuneration Committee.
Stefan Ricketts, General Counsel and Company Secretary, is arranging release of
this announcement on behalf of the Company.
Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalised terms used in the body of this
announcement shall have the meaning given to them in Appendix III.
EnQuest PLC
Tel:
+44
Amjad Bseisu (Chief Executive) Jonathan Swinney (Chief Financial Officer)
(0)20
Michael Waring (Head of Communications & Investor Relations)
7925
4900
Restructuring Adviser
Tel:
Rothschild
+44
(0)20
7280
5000
Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the
associated PDF document.
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/4826M_-2016-10-13.pdf
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This announcement has been issued by and is the sole responsibility of EnQuest.
The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only
and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may or should be placed
by any person for any purpose whatsoever on the information contained in this
announcement or on its accuracy or completeness. The information in this
announcement is subject to change.
Copies of the Explanatory Statement will, following distribution electronically,
be available upon request at the offices of Ashurst LLP, Broadwalk House, 5
Appold Street, London EC2A 2AG and on the Company's information agent website at
www.lucid-is.com/enquest and copies of the Prospectus will, following
publication, be available from the registered office of EnQuest and, subject to
certain restrictions, on EnQuest's website at www.enquest.com. The Prospectus is
not, subject to certain exceptions, available (through the website or otherwise)
to Shareholders and prospective investors in the United States, Australia,
Canada, Japan and the Republic of South Africa. Neither the content of EnQuest's
website nor any wite accessible by hyperlinks on EnQuest's website is
incorporated in, or forms part of, this announcement. The Explanatory Statement
will provide further details of the Scheme and Prospectus will provide further
details of the New Ordinary Shares being offered pursuant to the Placing and
Open Offer.
This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to purchase securities to any person with a registered
address in, or who is resident in, any Excluded Territory or in any jurisdiction
in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful. None of the securities
referred to herein have been or will be registered under the relevant laws of
any state, province or territory in any Excluded Territory.
The New Ordinary Shares have not been and will not be registered under
Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent
registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act. The New Ordinary Shares will not be registered under the
Securities Act and will not be offered or sold to the public in the United
States.
The New High Yield Notes to be issued pursuant to the Scheme will not be
registered under the Securities Act and will be issued in reliance upon the
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by
section 3(a)(10) thereof.
This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and
does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase or
subscribe for, or any solicitation to purchase or subscribe for, any securities
in any jurisdiction. No offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for, or any
solicitation to purchase or subscribe for, any securities will be made in any
jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful.
This announcement has been prepared in accordance with English law, the EU
Market Abuse Regulation and the Disclosure Guidance Rules and Transparency Rules
of the Financial Conduct Authority and information disclosed may not be the same
as that which would have been prepared in accordance with the laws of
jurisdictions outside England.
The distribution of this announcement into jurisdictions other than the United
Kingdom and Sweden may be restricted by law, and, therefore, persons into whose
possession this announcement comes should inform themselves about and observe
any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with any such restrictions may
constitute a violation of the securities laws of such jurisdiction.
Recipients of this announcement and/ or the Explanatory Statement and/or the
Prospectus should conduct their own investigation, evaluation and analysis of
the business, data and property described in this announcement and/or if and
when published the Prospectus and/or if and when distributed electronically the
Explanatory Statement. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation
concerning any investor’s options with respect to the Restructuring. The price
and value of securities can go down as well as up. Past performance is not a
guide to future performance. The contents of this announcement are not to be
construed as legal, business, financial or tax advice. Each investor or
prospective investor should consult his, her or its own legal adviser, business
adviser, financial adviser or tax adviser for legal, financial, business or tax
advice.
Notice to all investors
N M Rothschild & Sons Limited (“Rothschild”), which is authorised and regulated
by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting for EnQuest
solely in the capacity of financial advisor to the Restructuring. Rothschild
will not be responsible to anyone other than EnQuest for providing the
protections afforded to clients of Rothschild nor for providing advice in
relation to the Restructuring.
Apart from the responsibilities and liabilities, if any, which may be imposed
upon Rothschild by the FSMA, Rothschild does not accept any responsibility or
liability whatsoever and makes no representation or warranty, express or
implied, for the contents of this announcement, including its accuracy,
fairness, sufficiency, completeness or verification or for any other statement
made or purported to be made by it, or on its behalf, in connection with EnQuest
or the Restructuring and nothing in this announcement is, or shall be relied
upon as, a promise or representation in this respect, whether as to the past or
future. Rothschild accordingly disclaims to the fullest extent permitted by law
all and any responsibility and liability whether arising in tort, contract or
otherwise (save as referred to above) which it might otherwise have in respect
of this announcement or any such statement. Rothschild provides financial
advisory services to EnQuest from time to time.
No person has been authorised to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this announcement and the
Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representations must not
be relied on as having been authorised by EnQuest or Rothschild. Subject to the
Listing Rules, the Prospectus Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the issue of this announcement shall
not, in any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change
in the affairs of EnQuest since the date of this announcement or that the
information in it is correct as at any subsequent date.
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements, beliefs or
opinions, with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and
business of EnQuest and the Group.
This announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward
-looking statements". The words "believe," "estimate," "target," "anticipate,"
"expect," "could," "would," "intend," "aim," "plan," "predict," "continue,"
"assume," "positioned," "may," "will," "should," "shall," "risk" their negatives
and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events
and future trends identify forward-looking statements. An investor should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are in many cases beyond
the Company's or the Group's control. By their nature, forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and
depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. The Company
cautions investors that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and that its actual results of operations and financial condition,
and the development of the industry in which it operates, may differ materially
from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in
this announcement and/or information incorporated by reference into this
announcement. In addition, even if the Company's or the Group's results of
operation, financial position and growth, and the development of the markets and
the industry in which the Group operates, are consistent with the forward
-looking statements contained in this announcement, these results or
developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent
periods. The cautionary statements set forth above should be considered in
connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that
the Company, or persons acting on its behalf, may issue.
Past performance of the Company cannot be relied on as a guide to future
performance. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements. A variety of factors may cause the Company’s or the
Group’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements
contained in this announcement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of
their date and the Company, its parent and subsidiary undertakings, the
subsidiary undertakings of such parent undertakings, Rothschild and any of such
persons’ respective directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or
advisers expressly disclaim any obligation to supplement, amend, update or
revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, except where it would
be required to do so under applicable law.
No statement in this announcement is intended as a profit forecast or a profit
estimate and no statement in this announcement should be interpreted to mean
that earnings per share of EnQuest for the current or future financial years
would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of
EnQuest.
Further Information in relation to the Restructuring
Introduction
The Company announced the Restructuring following negotiations with relevant
stakeholders, including the Existing RCF Lenders, the Hedging Banks and the Ad
Hoc Noteholder Committee. The key features of the Restructuring are (i) the
Proposed RCF Amendments extending the final maturity date of the Existing RCF to
October 2021, splitting the maximum aggregate commitments into a term loan
facility and a revolving credit facility, amending the amortisation profile,
relaxing certain of the financial covenants in the Existing RCF and
incorporating terms allowing for new super senior hedging; (ii) the Proposed
Note Amendments to be effected by way of an English scheme of arrangement
amending the High Yield Notes and Retail Notes, amongst other things, to provide
that interest will only be payable in cash on any interest payment date if
certain conditions are met (including that the prevailing average oil price is
at least $65.00/bbl for a six-month period, otherwise interest will be
capitalised), to enable the Company (at its absolute discretion) to extend, at
any time, the final maturity dates to April 2023 and automatically to extend the
maturity dates to October 2023 if the Company has not repaid or refinanced the
Existing RCF by 15 October 2020, to remove certain financial covenants from the
Retail Notes, amend certain financial indebtedness baskets in the High Yield
Notes and include a restriction on certain payments to shareholders (and their
affiliates) if the Company has not redeemed in cash the capitalised interest in
respect of the High Yield Notes and the Retail Notes together with any accrued
but unpaid interest thereon; (iii) the Placing and Open Offer; and (iv) the
renewal of the Surety Bond Facilities.
Background to and reasons for the Restructuring
Against the backdrop of challenging market conditions, the Group has achieved a
robust operational performance in its most recent financial periods, as
demonstrated by its increasing production and cost efficiency, as it continues
to pursue its strategy of turning opportunities into value by targeting maturing
assets and undeveloped oil fields and exploiting its existing reserves.
Nevertheless, the decline in oil prices during and since 2014 and the continuing
low oil price environment have had a significant negative impact on the Group's
revenues, liquidity and available cash resources. This situation has been
exacerbated by the Group's level of debt and the significant cash resources
required to service the interest on this debt, as well as by the significant
capital expenditure required for development assets including, in particular,
the Group's Kraken development asset, the Group's largest project to date. These
factors combined have put considerable pressure on the Group's cash flows. As a
result, the Directors are now of the view that, without substantial changes to
the Group's capital and debt structure, the Group will have insufficient cash
resources to bring Kraken to first oil and to meet all of its payment
obligations as they fall due. In particular, if the Placing and Open Offer and
the Restructuring as described in this announcement do not proceed, the
Directors believe that there is a substantial risk that the Group will be unable
to pay the interest payment due in respect of the High Yield Notes on 17 October
2016. If not remedied within the applicable 30 day grace period, and there is no
interest payment standstill agreed by the requisite majority of High Yield
Noteholders (being 90 per cent. or more in value), this would constitute a
default under the High Yield Notes and a cross default under certain of the
Group's other debt instruments and facilities, including the Existing RCF and
the Retail Notes. In addition, the Group has, since January 2015, obtained
waivers from the Existing RCF Lenders in respect of the liquidity covenant
contained in the Existing RCF and the current waiver from this covenant expires
on 31 December 2016. To the extent the Group is unable to improve its liquidity
position or obtain further waivers from the Existing RCF Lenders, the Group
could fail to meet the liquidity covenant in the Existing RCF when next tested
on 31 December 2016 or on a subsequent test date, which would constitute an
event of default under the Existing RCF. In either of these circumstances, there
is a risk that the Company and/or its subsidiaries may become subject to
enforcement action which if not terminated or withdrawn could result in the
majority Existing RCF Lenders appointing an administrator to the Company, with a
view to the administrator commencing (and/or continuing, if already commenced by
the Company at such time) a marketing process for the sale of the Group on an
accelerated basis. However, the Ad Hoc Noteholder Committee may propose an
alternative debt restructuring and seek to engage in negotiations with the
Existing RCF lenders and the Company (which may involve providing a standstill
of the October Interest Payment if the requisite majority has approved such
standstill) and the Existing RCF Lenders may or may not accept such proposal or
may consider such proposal in the context of the sales process.
Although the Group has already undertaken a number of measures to mitigate the
impact of the low oil price environment (as described further below), the
Directors believe that in order to continue its operations as currently
envisioned the Group must strengthen its balance sheet, reduce the impact of the
Group's current debt on its cash flows and increase the Group's cash resources.
The Directors are therefore proposing the Restructuring. The Directors believe
that the completion of the Restructuring will put the Group in a stronger
position to meet current oil market conditions, as they continue to believe that
the Group's fundamental business, with its strategy of targeting mature and
marginal oil assets and its focus on cost efficiency, is well placed to
withstand a prolonged period of low oil prices, and will be even better placed
to do so after completion of the Kraken development.
The recent significant decline in oil prices began in the second half of 2014,
with the average realised price for the Group's UKCS and Malaysian oil sales
(excluding hedging) together decreasing from $100.6 per barrel for the year
ended 31 December 2014 to $50.9 per barrel for the year ended 31 December 2015,
and from $58 per barrel for the six months ended 30 June 2015 to $41 per barrel
for the six months ended 30 June 2016. The Brent crude oil benchmark (which is
the benchmark against which the Group's UKCS production is priced) reached a low
of $27.88/bbl on 20 January 2016. Although oil prices have stabilised somewhat,
they remain significantly below the levels that prevailed in 2013 and the first
half of 2014 (with the Brent crude oil benchmark at a high of $118.9 on 8
February 2013). The Brent crude oil benchmark was $51.7/bbl as of 12 October
2016.This reduction in oil prices has had a negative impact on the Group's
revenues and cash flows from operating activities.
In response to the decline in oil prices, the Group has set a number of
strategic priorities, including delivering on execution, streamlining operations
and strengthening the Group's balance sheet. The Group has continued to focus on
delivering a strong operational performance, as demonstrated by the 31.1 per
cent. increase in the Group's net daily average production in 2015 and a 43.3
per cent. increase in net daily average production in the six months ended 30
June 2016 (compared to the same period in the prior year) and reduced operating
costs described in more detail below. The Group has also taken a number of
additional measures to address the impact of the decline in oil prices and the
Group's cash flow constraints, including the following:
· Negotiating amendments to certain financial covenants in the Existing RCF
and the Existing Retail Notes: In January 2015, the Group negotiated temporary
amendments to certain of its financial covenants in the Existing RCF, raising
the net debt/EBITDA covenant to five times and reducing the ratio of EBITDA to
financing charges to a minimum of three times, both until mid-2017, providing
the Group with additional headroom in the low oil price environment. In May
2015, following approval by the holders of the Existing Retail Notes, the
financial covenants in the Existing Retail Notes were amended for consistency
with the amendments to the Existing RCF. The Company is seeking further changes
to the Existing RCF and Existing Retail Notes as part of the Restructuring as
mentioned above.
· Engaging in commodity hedging activities: In line with its financial
policies, the Group entered into a number of commodity hedging contracts in
2014, partially hedging the Group's exposure to fluctuations in oil prices, and
entered into additional hedging contracts in 2015 as a response to the continued
low oil price environment. As of 31 December 2015, the Group's commodity hedging
contracts included bought put options over 8MMbbls, maturing throughout 2016,
with an average strike price of $68/bbl and oil swap contracts to sell 2MMbbls
at an average price of $66.64/bbl maturing throughout 2016. These hedging
arrangements considerably mitigated the fall in the Group's revenues in 2015, as
the Group recognised $261.2 million in realised gains from its hedging
activities (relating to the portion of the Group's commodity hedging contracts
that were ineffective for hedging purposes or held for trading purposes) during
the year ended 31 December 2015. As of 30 June 2016, the Group's commodity
hedging contracts included bought put options over 4.3MMbbls at an average price
of $68/bbl maturing throughout 2016 and oil swap contracts to sell 1.3MMbbls at
an average price of $67/bbl maturing throughout 2016. During the first six
months of 2016, the Group realised $128.1 million in revenue relating to its
commodity hedging activities, which partially offset the decline in oil sales.
Since 30 June 2016, the Group entered hedging arrangements over 1MMbbl of 2017
production (83kbbls/ month) at a fixed price of $51.50. The Group has also sold
500,000bbls per month for the first half of 2017 (3 MMbbls total) at a fixed
price of $49/bbl and has bought a call (nil cost) for the same notional
quantity, with a strike at $57.25. Should the price rise above $57.25, the Group
will receive the difference to offset the loss it would make on the $49/bbl
swaps). In addition, the Group hedged 500,000 bbls for the first half of 2017 at
$54.50.
· Divesting non-core assets: In 2015, as part of its investment prioritisation
programme, the Group disposed of its interests in assets in Norway, Egypt and
Tunisia and its exploration assets in Malaysia. The Group also relinquished its
interests in a number of exploration licences in the UK. These divestments have
allowed the Group to focus on enhancing production at its currently producing
assets, including bringing Alma/Galia into full production, and developing its
core development assets, being Kraken and Scolty/Crathes.
· Reducing operating costs: In line with the Group’s focus on cost efficiency,
it has made further significant cuts to its cost base since the decline in oil
prices, including through lowering supply chain, contractor and staff costs,
moving its procurement team to Dubai to take advantage of lower cost structures
and working with the SVT operator to reduce gross cost levels. EnQuest reduced
average unit operating costs in 2015 to $30/bbl (compared to $42/bbl in 2014)
and in the first half of 2016 to $23/bbl (compared to $39/bbl in the first half
of 2015). The Directors expect average unit operating costs for the full year
2016 to be around the lower end of the guidance of $25-$27/bbl and expect that
unit operating costs will decrease to the low $20s per barrel when Kraken comes
fully on-stream.
· Reducing capital expenditure on the Kraken development: The gross full cycle
capital expenditure estimate for Kraken has been reduced to approximately $2.5
billion from $3.2 billion at sanction in 2013.
· Improving future cash flows through the development of Kraken and
Scolty/Crathes: The Directors expect that Kraken will deliver first oil in the
first half of 2017 and that the Scolty / Crathes fields will deliver first oil
around the end of 2016. The increase in production and, as a result, revenues
brought about by the completion of these developments, combined with reduced
capital expenditure and operational costs, would improve the Group's cash flow
position.
· Deferring certain trade creditor obligations: The Group has also recently
agreed the deferral of certain payments owed to several of its trade suppliers,
which the Directors believe demonstrate trade suppliers' willingness to support
the Company. Pursuant to these arrangements, these trade suppliers have agreed
for outstanding liabilities to be deferred in accordance with agreed repayment
profiles, allowing the Group to repay these liabilities through periodic
payments extending to between October 2016 and April 2019. These measures have
been significant steps in maintaining the Group's viability in the current
environment.
The Directors recognise, however, that in order to allow the Group to continue
to pursue its current strategy (and, in particular, to bring Kraken to first
oil) and to maintain the viability of the Group's business going forward, a
longer term solution is needed to strengthen the Group's liquidity position and
reduce the burden of the Group's debt service obligations on its business.
Having negotiated with relevant stakeholders, including the Existing RCF Lenders
and the Ad Hoc Noteholder Committee, the Directors have therefore proposed the
measures comprised in the Restructuring.
All of the elements of the Restructuring are inter-conditional, meaning that
none of the components of the Restructuring will be completed if the other
components of the Restructuring are not consented to and/or completed.
Financial effects of the Restructuring
On a pro forma basis and assuming that the Restructuring had taken place on 30
June 2016, the Group would have had net assets of approximately $833.4 million,
compared with net assets of $738.1 million reported as at 30 June 2016.
The Directors believe that the proposed Restructuring will improve the Group's
capital structure and improve the ongoing liquidity position of the Group,
putting it in a stronger position to withstand a prolonged period of low oil
prices.
APPENDIX I –DEFINITIONS
Ad Hoc Noteholder the informal ad hoc committee of the Existing High
Committee Yield Noteholders from time to time
Amended Retail Notes the Existing Retail Notes, as amended by the Proposed
Note Amendments
Application Form the personalised application form being sent to
Qualifying Non-CREST Shareholders for use in connection
with the Open Offer
Board the board of directors of the Company
Boepd barrels of oil equivalent per day
Company or EnQuest the public limited company named EnQuest PLC with
company number 07140891 and with registered office
address at 5th Floor Cunard House, 15 Regent Street,
London, SW1Y 4LR
Disclosure Guidance the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the
Rules Financial Conduct Authority
Excluded Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of South
Territory/Territories Africa and any other jurisdiction where the extension or
availability of the Placing and Open Offer (and any
other transaction contemplated thereby) would breach
applicable law
Existing High Yield the $650,000,000 7% senior notes due 15 April 2022
Notes issued by the Company
Existing Noteholders the Existing High Yield Noteholders and the Existing
Retail Noteholders
Existing Notes the Existing High Yield Notes and the Existing Retail
Notes
Existing Ordinary the Ordinary Shares in issue at the date of this
Shares announcement
Existing RCF the senior secured revolving credit facility dated as
of 6 March 2012, as amended, restated or otherwise
modified or varied from time to time, entered into by,
among others, EnQuest, as the borrower, BNP Paribas,
as facility agent, and certain lenders party thereto
Existing RCF Lenders the original lenders under the Existing RCF and any
lender which has acceded as a lender thereunder, which
in either case has not ceased to be a party to the
Existing RCF in accordance with the terms
Existing Retail the holders of the Existing Retail Notes
Noteholders
Existing Retail the £155,000,000 5.5% notes due 15 February 2022
Notes issued by the Company under its £500,000,000 euro medium
term note programme
Explanatory the explanatory statement in respect of the Scheme
Statement
EU Market Abuse the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014
Regulation
FSMA the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as
amended)
General Meeting the extraordinary general meeting of the Company to be
held at Ashurst LLP, Broadwalk House, 5 Appold Street,
London, EC2A 2HA on 14 November 2016 at 9.00 a.m.
Group the Company and its subsidiaries and subsidiary
undertakings from time to time
Letter of Credit the letter of credit to be issued by Credit Suisse AG
in favour of the Company in connection with Double A’s
participation in the Placing
London Stock London Stock Exchange plc
Exchange
MMbbl millions of barrels, i.e. oil barrels corresponding to
159 litres
New High Yield Notes the new $650,000,000 7% senior notes issued by the
Company to the Existing High Yield Noteholders in
exchange for the Existing High Yield Notes on a dollar
-for-dollar basis
New Ordinary Shares 356,738,114 new Ordinary Shares to be issued by the
Company pursuant to the Placing and Open Offer
October Interest the interest payment due on the Existing High Yield
Payment Notes on 17 October 2016
Open Offer the offer to Qualifying Shareholders constituting an
invitation to apply for the Open Offer Shares on the
terms and subject to the conditions set out in this
document, and in the case of Qualifying Non-CREST
Shareholders, the Application Form
Ordinary Shares the ordinary shares of 5 pence each in the capital of
the Company
Placing the conditional placing of the Open Offer Shares
(other than the Committed Shares) with Placees, subject
to clawback to satisfy valid applications by
Qualifying Shareholders under the Open Offer
Placing and Open the Placing and Open Offer
Offer
PM8/Seligi the production sharing contract between EP Malaysia,
Production Sharing PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd, E&P Malaysia Venture Sdn Bhd
Contract (as contractors) and PETRONAS dated 10 December 2014,
as discussed in this announcement
Proposed Note certain amendments of the Existing Notes, and issue of
Amendments the Warrants, as discussed in this announcement
Proposed RCF certain amendments of the Existing RCF, as discussed
Amendments in this announcement
Prospectus the prospectus to be issued by the Company in respect
of the Placing and Open Offer, together with any
supplements or amendments thereto
Regulation S Regulation S under the Securities Act
Resolutions the resolutions set out in the notice of General
Meeting
Restructuring the financial restructuring as proposed by the
Company, as discussed in this announcement
Scheme the proposed scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of
the Companies Act between the Company and the Scheme
Creditors to implement the Proposed Note Amendments
with, or subject to, any modification, addition or
condition which the Court may consider fit to approve or
impose
Scheme Creditors includes each Existing High Yield Noteholder and each
Existing Retail Noteholder
Securities Act the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended
SEK the lawful currency of Sweden
Shareholders the holders of Ordinary Shares in the capital of the
Company
Sullom Voe Terminal the oil terminal located in the Shetland Islands that
or SVT receives oil from the Brent and Ninian pipeline systems
Surety Bond The surety bonds provided by the Surety Bond Providers
Facilities aggregating to £89.2 million and $5.0 million, of which
£2.0 million mature in September 2016 and with the
remaining amount maturing in December 2016
Surety Bond HCC International Insurance Company PLC and Liberty
Providers Mutual Insurance Europe
Tanjong Baram Risk the contract dated 27 March 2014 between the Group,
Service Contract Uzma and PETRONAS to develop and produce the Tanjong
Baram field for a period up to March 2023
Trustees Capita Trustees Limited, acting in their capacity as
trustees of the EnQuest EBT
UKCS United Kingdom Continental Shelf
United Kingdom or UK the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland
United States or US the United States of America, its territories and
possessions, any state of the United States of America,
and the District of Columbia
US$ or $ or USD or US dollars, the lawful currency of the United States
US dollars
£ or pounds sterling pounds sterling, the lawful currency of the United
or sterling or GBP Kingdom
Capital Reorganisation
| Source: EnQuest PLC
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