Shell Confirms to Buy Repsol LNG Assets, Comments

Royal Dutch Shell plc

continues to expand its industry leadership in Liquefied Natural Gas ("LNG"), today agreeing to acquire part of Repsol S.A's LNG portfolio outside of North America, including supply positions in Peru and Trinidad & Tobago, for a cash consideration of $4.4 billion. Shell will also assume and consolidate balance sheet liabilities predominantly reflecting leases for LNG ship charters of currently $1.8 billion. The balance sheet impacts are subject to final assessment prior to completion of the transaction. "Shell's world-wide LNG supply position and customer base means we are uniquely positioned to add value to Repsol's LNG portfolio, including through Shell's trading capabilities," said Chief Executive Officer Peter Voser. "By optimising the combined portfolios we will increase our ability to bring LNG to areas that need it the most, adding value for Shell, our partners and our customers." The acquisition will add a new dynamic to Shell's portfolio, namely LNG capacity in the West Atlantic from Atlantic LNG in Trinidad & Tobago, and in the East Pacific from Peru LNG. These additions will complement Shell's existing LNG capacity in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Russia. The acquisition should add some 7.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG volumes through long-term off-take agreements, including some 4 mtpa of equity LNG plant capacity. Shell expects to add value to this portfolio by optimizing the new LNG flows in our world-wide customer base. Subject to successful completion, the new portfolio is expected to immediately provide additional cash flow to Shell, with limited on-going capital expenditure requirements. The transaction, which has an effective date of 1 October 2012, is expected to close in the second half of 2013 or early 2014, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions precedent. Additional information: Shell has agreed to acquire from several Repsol subsidiaries which own key LNG businesses of Repsol. Upon completion, after securing regulatory approvals and meeting other conditions precedent, the transaction will add: a. Net 4.2 mtpa equity LNG plant capacity comprising: * ALNG trains 1-4 14.6 mtpa capacity, on a 100% basis (20-25% equity per train); operated by Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago * Peru LNG 4.45 mtpa capacity, on a 100% basis (acquisition: 20% equity; 100% offtake); operated by Peru LNG Company * BBE power plant in Spain (25%, 800MW); operated by Bahía de Bizkaia Electricidad S.L. * A fleet of LNG carriers, comprising both long term and short term time charters. b. A material LNG marketing and trading operation, with 7.2 mtpa of LNG volumes through long-term off-take agreements. c. As part of this agreement, Shell has committed to supply around 0.1 mtpa of LNG to Repsol's Canaport LNG terminal in Canada over a period of 10 years.