CPE Media News – pcJournal (7/31/2018) – Aspenleaf Energy Limited, a portfolio company of ARC Financial Corp. and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, has acquired NEP Canada ULC, a private, light oil producer with operations focused in the Leduc/Woodbend region. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Aspenleaf financed the majority of the NEP Canada acquisition with equity, comprised of previously committed equity and additional equity financing from ARC Financial and Ontario Teachers’.
NEP Canada ULC is the Canadian operations of Houston, Texas based Newton Energy Partners, LLC (NEP), a portfolio company of Kayne Anderson Energy Funds. NEP’s Canada operations were acquired on October 1, 2011 through the acquisition of all outstanding shares of MEC Operating Company.
photo credit: Aspenleaf Energy
News Release
ASPENLEAF ENERGY LIMITED ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF ACQUISITION OF NEP CANADA
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, July 31, 2018 – Aspenleaf Energy Limited (“Aspenleaf” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of NEP Canada ULC (“NEP Canada”), a private, light oil producer with operations focused in the Leduc/Woodbend region. This acquisition combines two central Alberta based assets that are both geographically and geologically complementary to create an opportunity rich, high netback, light oil based entity.
Aspenleaf’s combined current production now exceeds 16,000 boe/d (85% oil and liquids), and the Company has material growth potential in both its two long-life, core areas of development: Nisku light oil at Leduc/Woodbend and Beaverhill Lake light oil at Swan Hills. Aspenleaf has identified a significant number of highly economic new well locations and has a seven-year drilling inventory across its two core areas. The Company sees continued production improvement, reserve growth and low corporate decline rates from the expansion of its waterflood operations in Swan Hills and plans to implement waterflood support to the Leduc/Woodbend assets.
Aspenleaf enjoys top decile operating netbacks (over $42/boe based on $80/bbl Edmonton mixed sweet blend oil price) which provide for sustainable, self-funded future development. The Company operates materially all of its production and has an average working interest of over 90% across its properties. Proforma, the Company’s Alberta Energy Regulator’s Liability Management Rating for July 2018 would be greater than seven.
Aspenleaf financed the majority of the NEP Canada acquisition with equity, comprised of previously committed equity and additional equity financing from its existing shareholders. Post-close, Aspenleaf maintains a strong balance sheet and is focused on ensuring conservative financial leverage.
“Aspenleaf is excited about the suite of opportunities in both of its two core areas and will continue to grow its production and reserve base through low risk development drilling, combined with directed waterflood implementation and expansion,” said Aspenleaf CEO Bryan Gould.
National Bank Financial Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Aspenleaf with respect to this acquisition. Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP acted as legal counsel to Aspenleaf. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Securities – Canada, ULC acted as exclusive financial advisor to NEP Canada. Bennett Jones LLP acted as legal counsel for NEP Canada.
About Aspenleaf Energy Limited
Aspenleaf is a private oil and gas company that is focused on the acquisition and exploitation of light oil assets in Western Canada. Aspenleaf is managed by a highly experienced team, with combined industry experience of over 150 years. Aspenleaf is backed by ARC Financial Corp, a Canadian energy-focused private equity manager, and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Canada’s largest single-profession pension plan, with $189.5 billion in net assets as of December 31, 2017.
For further information, please contact either:
Bryan Gould
President and Chief Executive Officer bryan.gould@aspenleafenergy.com
Lee Girardo
Vice President, Corporate Development lee.girardo@aspenleafenergy.com
Keith Pomedli
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer keith.pomedli@aspenleafenergy.co
Aspenleaf Energy Limited
Suite 2100 – 240 4th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 4H4 Telephone (403) 262-0321