Vermilion Energy to Acquire GDF SUEZ's 25% Interest in Four Producing Natural Gas Fields

Vermilion Energy

is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement with GDF SUEZ E&P Deutschland GmbH ("GDF SUEZ") whereby Vermilion, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, will acquire GDF SUEZ's 25% interest in four producing natural gas fields and a surrounding exploration license located in northwest Germany (the "Acquisition").  GDF SUEZ is an affiliate of GDF SUEZ S.A., a publicly traded, French multinational utility.  The Acquisition, which remains subject to customary conditions and receipt of all necessary GDF partner approvals, has an effective date of January 1, 2013 with closing targeted for December 31, 2013.  Our estimate of our cash cost at closing of the Acquisition is approximately $170 million, subject to final closing adjustments and changes in foreign exchange rates.  The Acquisition will be funded with existing credit facilities. Asset Summary The Acquisition entails the purchase of GDF SUEZ's 25% contractual participation interest in a four-partner consortium formed in 1956 between ExxonMobil Corporation ("ExxonMobil"), Wintershall Holding GmbH ("Wintershall"), BEB Erdgas und Erdöl GmbH ("BEB", a joint venture between ExxonMobil and Deutsche Shell AG.), and GDF SUEZ (the "E&P Consortium Interest").  ExxonMobil