TORONTO,
July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Alange
Energy Corp. (TSXV: ALE) announced today that as part of its
strategy to focus on production growth and optimization of assets
in the portfolio, it has entered into a strategic partnership with
YPF S.A. YPF is a large regional player in the energy sector, and
this partnership enables the Company to realize value and gain
future upside potential from certain of the Company's assets in the
Catatumbo Basin in Colombia. The
Company's strategy to joint venture was previously announced in a
press release dated January 19, 2011.
The partnership marks YPF's entry into Colombian land operations
and provides an indication of the value of Alange's portfolio.
The partnership encompasses three agreements
under which Alange Energy will:
- Farm-out an interest in the Carbonera E&PC to YPF for a
total work program of $23 million
(100% working interest). Alange Energy will retain a 36% beneficial
working interest in the property. YPF will fund up to $23 million of the exploration and capital
program costs over the next three years including Alange Energy's
share; this includes the costs associated with the acquisition of
3D seismic and drilling of one exploratory or development well in
2011. As well, an application will be submitted to the ANH
requesting that YPF become the operator of the Carbonera E&PC.
This agreement is subject to ANH approval.
- Farm-out interests in the Catguas E&PC to YPF for a total
work program that could reach $100
million over the next three to five years (100% working
interest). The Company currently has a 50% beneficial working
interest in the Catguas A Northern area and a 15% beneficial
working interest in the Catguas B Southern area. Pursuant to the
agreement, YPF will assume a 35% interest in the Northern area and
a 10.5% interest in the Southern area and will pay $5 million cash to Alange Energy. Under certain
conditions, the Company has the option to increase its working
interests up to an additional 10% in the Northern area and 5% in
the Southern area. This agreement is subject to ANH approval.
- Explore further business opportunities with YPF pursuant to a
Memorandum of Understanding for joint exploration and development
of the Company's interests in Rio
Magdalena, Santa Cruz,
Cerrito, Carbonera La Silla, Arrendajo and five of the blocks
awarded to the Company in the ANH 2010 Open Round, namely VMM 35,
VMM 11, VSM 12, VSM 13 and COR 33.
Commenting on the farm-out agreements with YPF,
Luciano Biondi, the Company's Chief
Executive Officer, stated, "We are very pleased to be partnered
with a strong regional player who brings technical capabilities and
financial stability to explore and develop these assets. As
we have previously indicated, the oil and gas assets of Carbonera
and Catguas are high quality assets and with YPF's focus we have
the opportunity to realize value from the development of these
assets for our shareholders, an ideal partnership scenario."
The Company also announced that it is continuing
its discussions with several parties in connection with investment
opportunities to joint venture, farm out or dispose of its
interests in certain of its other assets. The Company's capital
allocation program is designed to generate improved returns on
investment from the core portfolio.
Management will hold a conference call on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to answer any questions
pertaining to these agreements. Analysts and interested investors
are invited to participate as follows:
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Toronto & International: |
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(647) 427-7450 |
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North America: |
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(888) 231-8191 |
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Conference ID: |
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82849705 |
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A playback of this conference call will be available by dialling
(416) 849-0833 or 1-855-859-2056 with the above conference ID
number until July 26, 2011.
Alange Energy is a Canadian-based oil and gas
exploration and production company, with working interests in
19 properties in five basins in Colombia. Further information can be obtained
by visiting our website at www.alangeenergy.com .
All monetary amounts in U.S. dollars unless
otherwise stated. This news release contains certain
"forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information"
under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business,
operations and financial performance and condition of Alange
Energy. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information
include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to
estimated production and reserve life of the various oil and gas
projects of Alange Energy; the estimation of oil and gas reserves;
the realization of oil and gas reserve estimates; the timing and
amount of estimated future production; costs of production; success
of exploration activities; and currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Except for statements of historical fact relating to the company,
certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized
by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe,"
"anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements
that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur.
Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates
of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on
a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and
uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or
results to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on
factors and events that are not within the control of Alange Energy
and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors
that could cause actual results to vary materially from results
anticipated by such forward-looking statements include changes in
market conditions, risks relating to international operations,
fluctuating oil and gas prices and currency exchange rates, changes
in project parameters, the possibility of project cost overruns or
unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks
of the oil and gas industry, failure of plant, equipment or
processes to operate as anticipated. Although Alange Energy has
attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual
actions, events or results to differ materially from those
described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors
that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated,
estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that
forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual
results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Alange Energy undertakes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or
management's estimates or opinions should change except as required
by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
SOURCE Alange Energy Corp.