Sinopec to Pay $3.1B for 33% Interest in Apache Egypt

Apache Corporation (NYSE, Nasdaq:

) and Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Corporation today announced they have launched a global strategic partnership to pursue joint upstream oil and gas projects. As the first step in this partnership, Apache will receive $3.1 billion in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments, in exchange for Sinopec gaining a 33 percent minority participation in Apache's Egypt oil and gas business. Apache will continue to operate its Egypt upstream oil and gas business. The Apache-Sinopec partnershipG. Steven Farris, chairman and chief executive officer of Apache, said: "We are pleased to launch a global partnership with Sinopec, and to welcome them into our business in Egypt. Their technical expertise complements our 20 years of experience operating in Egypt and creates an alliance that will continue to explore and deliver the tremendous hydrocarbon resources in the Western Desert. Sinopec is an ideal partner for us, and we look forward to the growth and value generation ahead for both companies through the expansion of our collaboration to other projects." Given the sustained growth of its operations in Egypt, Apache has conducted an