Serica Energy PLC (SQZ.T), an oil and gas exploration, development and production company with activities in Europe, Africa and Indonesia, said Wednesday it has been offered a further two production licenses in the final stage of the 26th round of U.K. Offshore Licensing announced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

MAIN FACTS:

-Block 110/8 billion in the East Irish Sea has been offered to Serica as operator with a 100% interest; work commitment comprises a 3D seismic reprocessing program planned to delineate a gas prospect which has been provisionally identified in the block.

-Blocks 47/2 billion (Split), 47/3g (Split), 47/7 (Split) and 47/8d (Part) in the Southern North Sea have been offered under a single license to a group in which Serica has a 37.5% interest; Centrica PLC (CNA.LN) is operator.

-Blocks 47/2 billion, 47/3g, 47/7 and 47/8d are contiguous part blocks immediately adjacent to York field, also operated by Centrica.

-A number of gas prospects have been provisionally identified on blocks at both Leman (Permian) and Namurian (Carboniferous) levels.

-Work obligation comprises a 3D seismic survey and reprocessing of existing seismic data.

-Serica intends to seek a partner to join it in East Irish Sea Block 110/8 billion with a view to extending exploration program in this block and has already started discussions.

-Expects Southern North Sea blocks to contain additional gas reserves which, if proven, can easily be produced through the York field facilities.

-Shares closed Tuesday at 19.25 pence valuing the company at GBP34.01 million.

-By Ian Walker, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9296; ian.walker@dowjones.com