LNG to Acquire Bear Head LNG Project in Canada for US$11 mi

Liquefied Natural Gas Limited today announced that it has significantly expanded its presence in the North American Liquefied NaturalGas (LNG) sector by signing an agreement to acquire 100% of Bear Head LNG Corporation (BHLC)from a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (Anadarko) for US$11.0 million. 

The Bear Head LNG Project is located in Richmond County, Nova Scotia, Canada, and the key assets include:
A 255-acre site comprising industrial-zoned land (180 acres) and deep-water acreage (75 acres) as well as foundations in place for two 180,000 cubic meter LNG tanks. The land has been cleared, a majority of site works completed and roads constructed.

The Project Rights of the previously proposed LNG import terminal, including all assets, rights and obligations associated with the Bear Head project.

This acquisition, which is subject to standard closing conditions and consents, is in line with LNGL’s strategy of acquiring sites in North America where the Company can replicate its Magnolia LNG Project and fast-track development by using its existing LNGL development team and its OSMR® technology. The transaction close is expected on or before 31 August 2014. 

LNGL plans to transform Bear Head into a 4 mtpa LNG export facility with potential for future expansion.

The Company has already developed a gas supply plan and a transportation plan, and has interest from several parties to enter into Tolling Agreements, adopting the same business model as the Magnolia LNG Project. 

LNGL is in discussions with gas transportation companies and owners of gas reserves regarding the supply of natural gas from onshore and offshore Canadian natural gas supply options, and the Marcellus Shale Gas Play in North-Eastern USA, to the Bear Head LNG project site.
 
As part of this transaction and once it is completed, LNGL will appoint Mr John Godbold as Chief Operating Officer and Project Director of Bear Head LNG Corporation. John will be responsible for the project and reports to LNGL’s Managing Director Maurice Brand. He has led energy projects for Pangea LNG, Gulf Coast LNG and El Paso Energy, and is a former NASA engineer.

Mr Ian Salmon will also be appointed Chief Financial Officer and Chief Commercial Officer following the close of the transaction. Ian previously worked for El Paso Energy and Morgan Stanley (MS).
 
LNGL’s Managing Director Maurice Brand stated,"This is a significant transaction for LNG Limited and is consistent with our strategic plan to selectively secure sites that meet our criteria and develop a strong North American presence. Importantly, Bear Head LNG will further de-risk the Company’s asset base. We are particularly keen to secure opportunities where we can either  replicate Magnolia LNG or substantially use all the Company’s technical, engineering, technology and development expertise. Bear Head fits those criteria with the development plan based on the use of the Company’s OSMR® LNG Process Technology which will deliver lower capital costs, improved energy efficiency and a shorter development and construction schedule.

“Bear Head has considerable unlocked value and sunk costs that can readily be transformed into an LNG export facility. We are looking forward to working with local governments in developing this project that will have significant local economic benefits.