Spectra Energy Announces Acquisition of Express-Platte Pipeline System for $1.49B

Spectra Energy

today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase 100 percent of the ownership interests in the Express-Platte Pipeline System from Borealis Infrastructure, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and Kinder Morgan Energy Partners

for $1.49 billion, consisting of $1.25 billion cash and $240 million of acquired debt. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20061030/CLM051LOGO ) The 1,717-mile Express-Platte Pipeline System, which begins in Hardisty, Alberta, and terminates in Wood River, Illinois, is comprised of both the Express and Platte crude oil pipelines. The Express pipeline carries crude oil to U.S. refining markets in the Rockies area, specifically Billings and Laurel, Montana, and Casper, Wyoming. The pipeline's capacity is 280,000 barrels a day. The Platte pipeline, which interconnects with Express pipeline in Casper, Wyoming, transports crude oil predominantly from the Bakken and Western Canada to refiners in the Midwest. Platte's capacity ranges from 164,000 barrels a day in Wyoming to 145,000 barrels a day to Wood River, Illinois. "The Express-Platte Pipeline System acquisition is an immediately accretive investment in a fee-based business that expands Spectra Energy's footprint into a rapidly growing area,"