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Statement re Report and Accounts June 30, 2008
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London, 30 June 2008 - Equator hereby makes the following announcement to provide an update on the status of the Company's 2007 Annual Report and Financial Accounts.
During 2006, 2007, and 2008, the Company entered into a number of loans which were equity-related through the use of warrants and share appreciation rights issued to the lenders. Equator subsequently entered into a series of complex transactions late in 2007 and early 2008 resulting in re-pricing of warrants which had previously been issued, the deferral of repayment dates of certain loans, and also the issue of warrants to replace share appreciation rights granted to certain lenders under loans drawn down in 2006. As a result of these transactions, the application of IFRS 2 and IAS 39 to the accounts has been under review with our auditors.
A condition of AIM Listing is that the accounts must be finalized within six months of the financial year end. The Company has been in continued contact with its auditors, but we have not yet finalized the appropriate accounting treatment for these transactions. As a result, we will not be able to comply with the deadline of 30 June 2008 for production of the 2007 financial accounts. Because of this non-compliance, the Company's shares will be suspended from trading on AIM with immediate effect until the accounts are published.
We are working closely with our auditors on these technical questions. The Company expects to resolve the outstanding issues shortly, at which point the accounts will be issued and trading will resume.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555 Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Nominated Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000 |
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Bilabri Update June 25, 2008
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London, 25 June 2008 - Equator hereby makes the following announcement to provide an update, firstly, on the Company's progress on its discussions with Peak Petroleum Industries Nigeria Limited ('Peak') concerning settlement under the Bilabri Settlement Agreement ('BSA') between Peak and Equator Exploration (OML 122) Limited ('OML 122 Ltd') and, secondly, on the status of the Bilabri oil and gas developments. Peak SettlementOn 3 June 2008, the Company announced that Peak had made several representations to the Company that it would be able to and intended to satisfy in full the terms of the BSA by the middle of June 2008. In addition, Equator announced that OML 122 Ltd was taking steps in the Nigerian courts to register the LCIA arbitral award issued in its favour. On 19 June 2008, Peak made an announcement pertaining to its suit instituted before the Nigerian courts disputing the arbitration proceedings on the basis of there being no arbitral dispute with OML 122 Ltd under the BSA. The announcement also included a statement that the Nigerian court had dismissed 'with substantial costs' an application made by Equator requesting the court to discharge an earlier court order. Equator is fully aware of Peak's claims which are currently being addressed by the Nigerian court and the Company's legal advisors are presently contesting Peak's position. The Company's legal advisors have also advised that the costs awarded so far in the court proceedings are nominal costs only. During recent discussions, Peak has informed the Company that the claims and counter-claims being made by both Peak and the Company may be hampering progress on the financing efforts being pursued by Peak. Therefore, and without prejudice to the continuation of the legal processes, the Company reiterates that Equator's strategy is still to work closely with Peak to ensure that the financing required for the Bilabri oil development and to satisfy the terms of the BSA is secured within the shortest time possible. In this regard, Equator has been in direct discussions with Peak's financial advisers, and has received independent assurances that funding will be granted by the end of July 2008. Equator will therefore allow Peak until this time to conclude this financing initiative, before initiating conclusive steps in Nigeria to enforce the arbitral award. Bilabri Oil and Gas DevelopmentOver the past few weeks, progress has been made concerning the Bilabri oil and gas developments as several agreements have been entered into by Peak, as licence holder and operator of OML 122. These agreements, in respect of which certain information has been made public already, include: - An FPSO contract with Nortechs FPSO Pte Limited;
- Agreements with various suppliers for time-critical equipment;
- Heads of agreement with Mitsubishi as the LNG offtaker for the gas development; and
- Heads of agreement with FlexLNG as the supplier of the offshore LNG process.
- A contract to secure the 'Energy Searcher' drillship.
The Company is working closely with Peak to put in place definitive documentation to secure its carried interest of 5 per cent in the oil development of Bilabri and its 12.5 per cent paying interest in the gas development of Bilabri and Owanare. Enquiries:Equator +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Rand Chief Executive Officer Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 628 3396 Roland Cornish Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Nominated Broker to Equator) +44 (0)207 936 5234 Richard Hail Buchanan Communications +44 (0)207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey Information on EquatorEquator Exploration Limited engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas projects in highly prospective West Africa. Equator's objective is to build a diversified portfolio of exploration, appraisal and production assets in the region. The Company has exploration interests in the territorial waters of Nigeria and of São Tomé e Príncipe as well as in the Joint Development Zone between the two countries. |
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Corporate Update June 03, 2008
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London, 3 June 2008 - Equator, the exploration and development oil and gas company with projects in the highly prospective offshore basins of The Gulf of Guinea, offshore West Africa, hereby makes the following announcement to provide an update on the Company's progress on a number of initiatives. Farm-out Strategy and ProgressThe Company's stated ongoing strategy is to optimise the value of and secure funding for its interests offshore West Africa in the best interests of all stakeholders. This strategy is progressing satisfactorily as summarized below. Progress on OPL 323The farm-out of 20 per cent of the Company's interest in OPL 323 held by Equator Exploration Nigeria 323 Limited ('323 Ltd') to BG Exploration and Production (Nigeria) Limited ('BG') is progressing and is now in the final stages. 323 Ltd is now at the point of seeking the signatures of its partners on the transfer deed and the documents to amend the joint venture agreements prior to submission to the Nigerian authorities for final approval. Progress on OPL 321The Company has received offers from a number of entities to farm-in to its interest held in OPL 321 by Equator Exploration Nigeria 321 Limited. The Company is currently evaluating these offers and is confident that agreement will shortly be reached with at least one of these entities. Further information will be released in due course. Progress on Other Farm-insThe Company continues to seek ways to monetize all or part of its interests held by Equator Exploration JDZ Block 2 Limited in JDZ Block 2 and also in the Company's two option blocks in the Exclusive Economic Zone of São Tomé e Príncipe ('EEZ'). Net Profits InterestsFurther to the announcements dated 11 January 2007 and 17 August 2007, the Company is pleased to announce that it has reached a settlement with its bidding partners regarding the remaining net profits interests in both OPL 321 and OPL 323. Equator confirms that it now has the full 30% economic interest in both blocks out of which the farm-out of 20% of OPL 323 is in its final stages and the farm-out of OPL 321 has yet to be agreed. In settlement, a relatively small cash payment will be made from the proceeds of the farm-out of OPL 323 to the partners who bid with us for the blocks in 2005. The bidding partners have also been granted a total of 5.6 million warrants, priced at 8 pence, over common shares in the Company. Arbitration ProcessFurther to the announcement made on 11 February 2008, the arbitration process held in London between Equator Exploration (OML 122) Limited ('OML 122 Ltd') and Peak Petroleum Industries Nigeria Limited ('Peak'), which was undertaken in accordance with the terms of the Bilabri Settlement Agreement ('BSA'), details of which were announced on 28 September 2007, is now concluded. A final award, which is enforceable in Nigeria under Nigerian Law, was issued on 27 May 2008 by the Arbitrator in favour of OML 122 Ltd in the total sum of US$123 million plus interest ('Final Award'). Prior to the grant of the Final Award, Peak had made several representations to the Company that it will be able to and intends to satisfy in full, the terms of the BSA at the latest by the middle of June 2008. With this in mind and in order not to frustrate Peak's current financing initiative, the Directors of Equator have taken the view that it would be prudent and in the interests of the Company's stakeholders to achieve settlement under the BSA before enforcing the Final Award. Although OML 122 Ltd is presently taking steps to register the Final Award in the Nigerian courts, it will however not seek to enforce its claim in the Nigerian courts until after the middle of June 2008, at which time the Company will reassess its position if settlement under the BSA is not realised. The Company will make such further announcement as would be appropriate at the time. Contingent LiabilitiesWe remain in contact with Dolphin Drilling Limited, BW Offshore Limited ('BW') and other suppliers from the suspension of the Bilabri development as the farm-outs noted above and the potential settlements under the Final Award or the BSA move closer to completion. Determination of the contingent liability to BW of up to US$ 58 million, noted in the Company's Interim Accounts for 2007, of which US$20 million has already been paid, which may result from the termination of the charter agreement for the Floating Production, Storage and Offtake Unit by BW, is the subject of legal proceedings in the British Virgin Islands. However, in order to ensure that the interests of all of the Company's stakeholders are safeguarded, the Company is currently in discussions with BW. Working Capital and FundingLeaving aside any potential recovery under the Final Award or the BSA, the Directors believe that completion of the farm-outs noted above will provide the Company with significant additional working capital of approximately US$80 million. In addition it will eliminate the future cash requirements of approximately US$27 million under the committed exploration work programmes for the residual interests that will be held by the Company in both OPL 321 and OPL 323. The Directors believe that following the proposed farm-outs and the resolution of the net profits interests, the Company will have residual interests in each of OPL 321 and OPL 323 of at least 10 per cent. These, together with the interest in JDZ Block 2 and the two option on blocks in the EEZ, provide an exploration portfolio with significant upside potential. The Directors currently expect exploration drilling to commence on OPL 321 and OPL 323 late in 2009 and on JDZ Block 2 in 2010. The Directors also believe that delineation of the blocks in the EEZ is unlikely to be completed prior to first quarter 2009. Enquiries:
EquatorPhilip Rand, CEO/CFO Philip Dimmock, COO +44 (0)207 235 2555 Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator)Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396 Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Nominated Broker to Equator)Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234 Buchanan CommunicationsBobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000 Information on EquatorEquator Exploration Limited engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas projects in highly prospective West Africa. Equator's objective is to build a diversified portfolio of exploration, appraisal and production assets in the region. The Company has exploration interests in the territorial waters of Nigeria and of São Tomé e Príncipe as well as in the Joint Development Zone between the two countries. Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website at www.equatorexploration.com. |
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Share Price Movement May 27, 2008
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London, 27 May 2008 - Equator Exploration Limited ( 'Equator' or the 'Company') notes the recent movement in the Company's share price, but is not aware of any corporate developments which could lead to such a substantial movement. Enquiries: EquatorPhilip Rand Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555 Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator)Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396 Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator)Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234 Buchanan CommunicationsBobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000 Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website. The Company's website can be accessed at www.equatorexploration.com. |
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Shareholding March 06, 2008
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Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') was informed on 4 March 2008 that on 3 March 2008, MF Global UK Limited, following an acquisition of ordinary shares, held 7,384,590 ordinary shares in the Company, representing 3.94% of the total voting rights.
Enquiries:
Equator +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
Beaumont Cornish Limited +44 (0)207 628 3396 Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish
Fox-Davies Capital Limited +44 (0)207 936 5234 (Broker to Equator) Richard Hail
Buchanan Communications +44 (0)207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey
Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website. The Company's website can be accessed at www.equatorexploration.com. |
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Total Voting Rights February 29, 2008
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For the purposes of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority, the Board of Equator is required to notify the market of the following:
As at the date of this announcement, the Company's issued share capital consists of 187,491,590 ordinary shares, with voting rights ('Ordinary Shares'). The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in Treasury.
Therefore the total number of Ordinary Shares in the Company with voting rights is 187,491,590.
The above figure of 187,491,590 Ordinary Shares may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the Financial Service Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
For further information, please contact:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Nominated Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000 |
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Corporate Update and Issue of Equity to raise $700,000 February 11, 2008
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London, 11 February 2008 - Equator makes the following announcement to provide a corporate update and also details on the raising of US$700,000 in addition to the US$1,172,160 announced on Friday 8 February 2008.
Farm-out status
The Company confirms that it has obtained the approval of other parties to the Joint Operating Agreement for the assignment of a 20% interest in the deep water block OPL323 to BG Exploration and Production (Nigeria) Limited. The Company has made submission to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ('NNPC') for its approval, which once received will allow the farm-out to be completed shortly thereafter.
Expressions of interest have been received from a number of parties wishing to participate in the Company's interest in its other deep water block in Nigerian territorial waters, OPL321.
In addition, the Company is in preliminary discussions with international oil companies regarding collaboration on its rights over two blocks in the Exclusive Economic Zone in Sao Tome e Principe.
Further announcements will follow in due course.
Financing
As noted above, the Company has not yet received approval from NNPC for the farm-out of a portion of the Company's interest in OPL323. In order to provide the Company with additional flexibility and liquidity, the interest on the US$65 million loan dated 3 August 2006, totalling US$4.1 million and due to be paid in February 2008, has been deferred with the agreement of the lenders, until completion of the farm-out of OPL323. In consideration for this deferral, the Company has agreed that the 17,397,353 warrants issued to the lenders should be re-priced to £0.30 per share from £0.40 per share, with all other terms remaining unaltered.
Further, in a separate transaction, the terms of the US$7.5 million loan from Ingalls & Snyder Value Partners LP dated 2 July 2007 have been amended. In consideration for the lender agreeing to exercise immediately 5,000,000 of the 10,989,000 warrants granted by the Company, which could have been exercised over 2 years, the Company has agreed to a reduction in the exercise price of the warrants to be immediately exercised, from £0.35 per share to US$0.14 per share (equivalent to £0.071 at current exchange rates). Following a request to exercise the warrants, the Company will issue 5,000,000 common shares in the Company (the 'Shares') for a purchase price of US$700,000. The proceeds will be used for general working capital purposes. Application will be made for the Shares, which will rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares, to be admitted to trading on AIM. The effect is therefore to raise money by the issue of Shares at the current share price, thus eliminating those warrants.
Peak Petroleum Industries Nigeria Limited ('Peak')
On 28 September 2007, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement ('Settlement Agreement') with Peak whereby Peak agreed to take over certain current and future liabilities of the Bilabri oil development and to reimburse Equator for certain costs.
Peak has not yet made the long overdue payments to Equator and third parties. Therefore in accordance with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Equator has issued an Arbitration Notice to Peak. Arbitration under the Settlement Agreement is to be held in London, England. Nevertheless, Equator remains committed in its cooperation with Peak and various third parties to ensure that the oil and gas discovered in Bilabri, Oribiri and Owanare are exploited to their maximum potential. The Company will issue a further update in due course.
Related Party - AIM Rule 13
Mr Robert Gipson is one of three General Partners of Ingalls & Snyder Value Partners LP ('Ingalls VP') and also a Senior Managing Director of Ingalls & Snyder LLC ('Ingalls LLC'). Ingalls LLC currently holds 15.3 per cent of the issued common shares in the Company of which 7,743,000 shares (4.2 per cent) are held on behalf of Mr Gipson. Mr Gipson also holds directly 7,326,000 shares (4.0 per cent). Ingalls VP currently holds no shares.
Following this transaction, Ingalls LLC, Ingalls VP and Mr Gipson will hold in total 40,245,767 common shares equivalent to 21.46 per cent of the issued shares. Accordingly, the transaction to accept the exercise of the warrants at the reduced price is being treated as a Related Party Transaction under the AIM Rules. The Directors of the Company, all of whom are independent of Mr Gipson, Ingalls LLC and Ingalls VP, consider, having consulted with the Company's Nominated Adviser, that the terms of both transactions are fair and reasonable insofar as the shareholders are concerned.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Nominated Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000
nformation on Equator
Equator Exploration Limited engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas projects in highly prospective West Africa. Equator's objective is to build a diversified portfolio of exploration, appraisal and production assets in the region. The Company has exploration interests in the territorial waters of Nigeria and of Sao Tome e Principe as well as in the Joint Development Zone between the two countries.
Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website at www.equatorexploration.com. |
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Shareholding February 05, 2008
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London, 5 February 2008 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') was informed on 29 January 2008 that on 28 January 2008, MF Global UK Limited, following a disposal of ordinary shares, held 6,979,520 ordinary shares in the Company, representing 3.99% of the total voting rights.
In addition, the Company was informed on 30 January 2008 that on 29 January 2008, MF Global Limited, following an acquisition of ordinary shares, now holds 7,018,520 ordinary shares, representing 4.01% of the total voting rights.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital (Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000
Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website. The Company's website can be accessed at www.equatorexploration.com. |
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Shareholding January 30, 2008
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London, 30 January 2008 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') was informed on 28 January 2008 that on 25 January 2008, MF Global UK Limited, following an acquisition of ordinary shares, now holds 6,998,105 ordinary shares in the Company, representing 4.00% of the total voting rights.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000 |
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Significant Shareholding January 28, 2008
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London, 28 January 2008 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') was informed on 24 January 2008 that on 23 January 2008, MF Global UK Limited, following a disposal of ordinary shares, now holds 6,600,865 ordinary shares in the Company, representing 3.77% of the total voting rights.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator)Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000
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Loan Arrangements December 17, 2007
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Loan repayment deferral and potential replacement loan.
London, 17 December 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') announces a short term deferral of a loan repayment and a potential replacement of the loan.
In September 2007, as reported in the 2006 Annual Report, the Company entered into an unsecured, short term working capital loan agreement for US$5 million which, on 15 December 2007, was due for repayment or conversion into shares at a price of 10 pence per share. The lenders have agreed to a short deferral of the repayment date whilst the Company seeks the finalization of an alternative loan with a commercial bank.
Equator Exploration Limited engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas projects in highly prospective West Africa. Equator's objective is to build a diversified portfolio of exploration, appraisal and production assets in the region. The Company has exploration interests in the territorial waters of Nigeria and of Sao Tome & Principe as well as in the Joint Development Zone between the two countries.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Nominated Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000
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Board Changes December 05, 2007
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Equator today updates shareholders on Board changes which take effect immediately.
Equator is pleased to announce that Theodore Giletti, aged 62, has agreed to join the Board as a non-executive director. Ted's industry experience in West Africa and his financial background will be invaluable as the Company implements its 2008 business strategy. Ted is currently a director of Banco Africano de Investimentos (BAI), Luanda, and also Angola Capital Partners (ACP). In the past five years, he was a director of the Tanzania Pyrethrum Marketing Company.
Wade Cherwayko has stepped down as the Chief Executive of the company, but will remain on the Board as a non-executive director.
The Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Philip Rand has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive with immediate effect.
The Board regret that Martin Adams was unable to offer himself for re-election as a director due to other business commitments. The Directors thank him for his invaluable contributions as a director and wish him well in the future.
For further information please contact:
Philip Rand Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)207 235-2555
Richard Hail Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator +44 (0)207 936 5234
Roland Cornish Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 628 3396
Bobby Morse/Ben Willey Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 |
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Result of AGM December 05, 2007
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LONDON, England: Equator Exploration Limited (AIM: EEL.L) ('Equator' or the 'Company').
The board of Equator Exploration Limited is pleased to announce the results of the AGM held in New York City, New York at 10:00 (EST) on 4 December 2007.
Resolutions in respect of the following were duly passed:
(i) Approval of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2006
(ii) Approval of the appointment of PWC as auditors to the Company
(iii) Approval of Wade Cherwayko as a non-executive director
(iv) Approval of Philip Dimmock as a director
(v) Approval of Philip Rand as a director
Ted Giletti accepted appointment as a non-executive director prior to the AGM and, because of his other business commitments, Martin Adams declined to submit himself for election as a director.
For further information please contact:
Philip Rand Chief Executive Officer +44 (0)207 235-2555
Richard Hail Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator) +44 (0)207 936 5234
Roland Cornish Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 628 3396
Bobby Morse/Ben Willey Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 |
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Shareholding November 22, 2007
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London, 22 November 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') was informed on 21 November 2007 that on 20 November 2007, MF Global Limited, following a disposal of ordinary shares, now holds 8,482,985 ordinary shares in the Company, representing 4.85% of the total voting rights.
Enquiries:
Equator +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator +44 (0)207 628 3396 Roland Cornish
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator) +44 (0)207 936 5234 Richard Hail
Buchanan Communications +44 (0)207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey |
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Notice of AGM November 20, 2007
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London, 20 November 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') would like to announce to shareholders plans for its Annual General Meeting.
The Equator Exploration Annual General Meeting will be held at 10:00 am on 4th December 2007 at the Hudson Hotel in the Hudson Room, 356 West 58th St., New York, Copies of resolutions to be considered at the meeting have been mailed to shareholders of record on November 16, 2007.
A copy of the notice is posted on the Company's website www.equatorexploration.com
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000
Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website. The Company's website can be accessed at ww.equatorexploration.com. |
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Director's Dealings
November 15, 2007
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London, 15 November 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') was informed on 15 November 2007 that on that date, Philip Rand, Director, through his Self Invested Pension Scheme, ('SIPP') purchased 50,000 ordinary shares in the Company at 11p per share. Following this purchase, Philip Rand, through his SIPP, owns a total of 100,000 ordinary shares, representing a holding of 0.05% in the Company's issued share capital.
Enquiries:
Equator +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 628 3396 Roland Cornish
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator) +44 (0)207 936 5234 Richard Hail
Buchanan Communications +44 (0)207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey
Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website. The Company's website can be accessed at www.equatorexploration.com. |
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Board Change
November 07, 2007
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London, 7 November 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') today announces that Tony Renton, Director, has resigned with immediate effect.
Due to a change in the ownership of Tony's consulting business, potential conflicts of interest may arise and, as a result, he has informed the Company that he is no longer able to serve as a Director on the Board of Equator.
The Company wishes him well in his future endeavours, and should like to thank him for his valued contribution to Equator during his time on the Board.
Enquiries:
Equator Tel: +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
Beaumont Cornish Limited Tel: +44 (0)207 628 3396 (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish
Fox-Davies Capital Limited Tel: +44 (0)207 936 5234 (Broker to Equator) Richard Hail
Buchanan Communications Tel: +44 (0)207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey
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Interim Results for six months ended 30 June 2007 October 24, 2007
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Annual Report 2006 October 24, 2007
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Appointment of Nominated Adviser
October 16, 2007
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London, 16 October 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce the appointment of Beaumont Cornish Limited as its Nominated Adviser with immediate effect.
Equator Exploration Limited engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas projects in highly prospective West Africa. Equator's objective is to build a diversified portfolio of exploration, appraisal and production assets in the region. The Company has exploration interests in the territorial waters of Nigeria and of Sao Tome & Principe as well as in the Joint Development Zone between the two countries.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000
Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website. The Company's website can be accessed at www.equatorexploration.com. |
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Appointment of Broker October 16, 2007
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London, 16 October 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce the appointment of Fox-Davies Capital Limited ('Fox-Davies') as its Broker with immediate effect.
Equator Exploration Limited engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas projects in highly prospective West Africa. Equator's objective is to build a diversified portfolio of exploration, appraisal and production assets in the region. The Company has exploration interests in the territorial waters of Nigeria and of Sao Tome & Principe as well as in the Joint Development Zone between the two countries.
Fox-Davies Capital is a Member of the London Stock Exchange and specializes in providing Corporate Finance advisory, broking and capital raising services to AIM listed and international oil & gas and resource companies. In its role as nominated broker, Fox-Davies provides its corporate clients with access to investors in the UK, European and North American capital markets and has an established track record in emerging markets particularly in Africa, Former Soviet Union and Asia.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Roland Cornish +44 (0)207 628 3396
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Nominated Broker to Equator) Richard Hail +44 (0)207 936 5234
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0)207 466 5000
Additional information regarding the Company can be obtained from the Company's website. The Company's website can be accessed at www.equatorexploration.com. |
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Settlement Agreement with Peak and Update on filing of 2006 Financial Statements and Interims Results for 2007 September 28, 2007
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London, 28 September 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') announces the signing of a settlement agreement with Peak Petroleum Industries Nigeria Limited ('Peak').
On 26 September 2007, the Company approved a settlement agreement ('Settlement Agreement') with Peak. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Peak will assume full responsibility for financing and developing the Bilabri field which to date has been financed by Equator under the Finance and Service Agreement between Peak and Equator Exploration (OML 122) Limited, dated 2nd April 2005 ('FSA').
The Settlement Agreement provides that the FSA will be terminated and that Equator will retain a net profit interest of 5% in the Bilabri oil project and a paying interest of 12.5% in any gas development of the Bilabri and Owanare fields.
The Settlement Agreement also provides for Peak to assume the current and future liabilities of the Bilabri oil development and to reimburse Equator for all project costs paid by the Company since 1 June 2007. Peak is negotiating new contracts for the services and equipment required for the Bilabri oil development to continue.
Peak is expecting to conclude a financing agreement with a financial institution in the near term.
To date, Equator has invested approximately US$270 million in OML 122 including the Owanare discovery well. The directors of Equator have reviewed the potential financial implications of the Settlement Agreement for the Company and will be making suitable provisions to reflect a prudent view of any downside risk in terms of recoverability of the historical cost of investment in OML 122. The provisions will be recorded in the Company's financial statements which are expected to be issued shortly.
Filing of 2006 Financial Statements/Interim Results
Equator will be announcing its Interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2007 simultaneously with the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2006 in the near term at which point trading in Equator shares is expected to recommence.
The Company will now focus on adding value to its exploration assets by pursuing additional farm-out opportunities. Further details of the Company's strategy will be included with the publication of the 2006 Annual Report and Financial Statements and the 2007 Interim Results.
Enquiries:
Equator +44 (0)207 235 2555 Wade Cherwayko Chief Executive Officer Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
KBC Peel Hunt (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44(0)207 418 8900 Jonathan Marren/Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey
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Board change September 28, 2007
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London, 28 September 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or 'the Company') announces the resignation, due to other business commitments, of Baroness Chalker as a non-executive director of the Company.
The entire Board would like to thank Baroness Chalker for the enormous contribution that she has made to the Company.
Enquiries:
Equator +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
KBC Peel Hunt (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 4188900 Jonathan Marren/Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey |
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Financing Update September 11, 2007
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London, 11 September 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or 'the Company') announces an additional working capital facility.
The Company has entered into an unsecured short term working capital loan facility for US$5 million with shareholder lenders. The loan is to be repaid by 15 December 2007. The funds for repayment are expected to be available either from the cash element receivable on completion of the farm-out of OPL 323 which was announced by the Company on 17 August 2007, or from other sources being evaluated by the Company.
In consideration, the Company has agreed to issue 8,375,000 warrants pro rata to the lenders at an exercise price of 30p per share, which may be re-set downwards depending upon market prices during the first fifteen days following lifting of the current suspension of trading of the Company's shares. The warrants are exercisable over 2 years. The loan carries interest at an annual rate of 6%. If repayment is not made by the due date, then both the principal and interest will be converted to common shares.
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration Philip Rand, Chief Financial Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Jonathan Marren/Richard Kauffer +44 (0)207 418 8900
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0) 207 466 5000 |
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Corporate Update September 03, 2007
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London, 3 September 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') announces the termination of the conditional merger agreement.
On 11 June 2007, Equator announced that it had entered into a conditional merger agreement (the 'Merger Agreement') with CAMAC Energy EP Limited ('CAMAC EP') and CAMAC International Limited relating to a proposed merger of Equator and CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited ('CEHL'), a wholly owned subsidiary of CAMAC International Limited. The Merger Agreement was conditional upon, amongst other things, the posting of the AIM Admission Document, to Equator shareholders by no later than 31 August 2007. It has not been possible to produce an Admission Document that satisfies the requirements of the AIM Rules within the prescribed timeframe and as a result, the Merger Agreement has been terminated. The parties to the Merger Agreement concluded that it would not be possible to produce an Admission Document that meets the requirements in the immediately foreseeable future either and therefore it was agreed not to extend the period in which the condition could be satisfied.
The cessation of merger discussions will permit the Company to focus on optimizing the value of its assets on a stand alone basis. The Company is reviewing the most appropriate ways in which to do this, similar to the farm out of OPL 323 to BG Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, announced on 17 August, 2007. The operating costs of the Company are expected to be adjusted commensurate with the results of the asset reviews.
In accordance with the announcement made on 20 August 2007, the Company is conducting a detailed review of its interest, commitments, prospects and financing of the Bilabri project under the terms of the Finance and Service Agreement with Peak Petroleum Industries Limited, the operator and sole license holder of Offshore Mining Lease (OML) 122, offshore Western Niger Delta, Nigeria.
The Company is finalising an agreement with an existing lender for a short term working capital facility. The terms are currently being negotiated and a further announcement will be made in due course.
The Company anticipates that its Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2006 will be released shortly, following which the suspension in trading of Equator shares is expected to be lifted.
Enquiries:
Equator Philip Rand, Chief Financial Officer Philip Dimmock, Chief Operating Officer +44 (0)207 235 2555
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser to Equator) Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer +44 (0)207 418 8900
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse/Ben Willey +44 (0) 207 466 5000 |
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Bilabri Update August 20, 2007
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London, 20 August 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ("Equator" or "the Company") announces that, given the ongoing delays with the Bilabri project, the contract for the FPSO BW Peace with BW Endeavour Limited ("BW"), held jointly with the operator and sole licence holder of OML 122, Peak Petroleum Industries Limited ("Peak"), has been terminated due to the financial obligations of the joint venture not being met.
According to the terms of the original contract with BW, a US$20 million performance guarantee was issued on behalf of Equator Exploration (OML 122) Limited by its bankers. BW has indicated that it might activate this. The termination follows operational issues experienced in 2007 during the drilling of the Bilabri D2 well including the forcible removal by militants of an employee of the drilling contractor from the rig.
Discussions are continuing with BW and the providers of drilling units with respect to the financial implications of the termination and the terms on which new contracts for a rig, FPSO and related supplies and equipment may be available to proceed with the development of the Bilabri field.
Another announcement in relation to the Bilabri project will be made in due course after further detailed review.
Definitions
FPSO - Floating, Production, Storage & Offloading vessel OML - Oil Mining Lease
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Dimmock, Chief Operating Officer Philip Rand, Chief Financial Officer
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 418 8900 Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey |
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Asset Farm Out August 17, 2007
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London, 17 August 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or 'the Company') announces a farm out of part of its Participating Interest in the Production Sharing Contract ('PSC') in Oil Prospecting Licence ('OPL') 323, offshore Nigeria.
The Company has entered into an agreement with BG Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited ('BG') to assign from its thirty per cent (30%) Participating Interest in the Production Sharing Contract for OPL 323, a twenty per cent (20%) Participating Interest to BG, in exchange for a total consideration of US$75 million, comprising both cash and carry on future expenditure. The completion of the farm out is subject to receipt of all necessary consents and approvals, including the approval of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ('NNPC').
Equator has also agreed with its Nigerian partners to buy back 3% of the Net Profits Interest granted in March 2006 on completion of the farm out referred to above. After taking account of these transactions Equator will have a net economic interest, after recovery of costs, of 9% in OPL 323.
Wade Cherwayko, Chief Executive Officer of Equator commented, 'We are delighted to have secured this farm-out with BG. BG's adjacent and surrounding acreage and activities complement those of Equator and make BG an excellent partner. We will continue to work closely with the Korea National Oil Corporation ('KNOC'), the operator and with our other partners in the OPL 323 block; to which BG is a very welcome addition'.
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Dimmock Chief Operating Officer Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 418 8900 Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey
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AIM Rule 26 August 17, 2007
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London, 17 August 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce that, in compliance with AIM Rule 26, details of the Company are available at www.equatorexploration.com.
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration +44 (0)207 235 2555 Philip Dimmock, Chief Operating Officer Philip Rand, Chief Financial Officer
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 418 8900 David Anderson
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 4665000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey |
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Board Change July 23, 2007
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London, 23 July 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or 'the Company') announces the resignation of the Executive Chairman.
It is with great regret that the Board of Equator has accepted the resignation of Samuel Jonah KBE, OSG as Executive Chairman of the Company, with immediate effect. Samuel Jonah has reluctantly resigned due to personal reasons.
The Board is actively seeking an interim Executive Chairman until the current merger activity has completed.
Baroness Chalker of Wallasey, Chair of the Board's Nomination and Governance Committee commented:
'The entire Board joins me in thanking Samuel for the enormous contribution which he has made to the Company. His wise chairing of the Board will be greatly missed and his colleagues wish him well'.
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer +44 7795 396489
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 418 8900 Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey |
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Financing Update July 18, 2007
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London, 18 July 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or 'the Company') announces an additional working capital facility.
The Company has entered into an additional secured loan agreement with a shareholder lender. Under this arrangement, the shareholder lender has agreed to provide a US$7.5 million facility to the Company. In consideration for that, the Company has agreed to issue 10,989,000 warrants at an exercise price of 0.35p to the shareholder lender, pro-rata to the amount drawn down. This facility will share pro rata in the collateral security pool which pledges Equator's interests in Equator Exploration JDZ Block 2 Limited and Aqua Exploration Limited, as previously announced on 11 June, 2007 as part of the Announcement on a conditional merger agreement and financing update.
The Company is drawing down US$2.5 million of this facility immediately, thereby issuing 3,663,000 of the total warrants consideration. These funds will bear interest at an annual rate of 8%.
This facility will be utilised by the Company for working capital requirements and has a repayment date of 1 November, 2009. However it is repayable earlier if the Board of Equator becomes satisfied that the Company has sufficient funds (taking into account its working capital requirements) to repay the loan or if shareholder lender elects to apply any amount outstanding under the facilty to exercise their right to subscribe for shares pursuant to the warrants.
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration +44 (0)207 235-2555 Philip Dimmock Chief Operating Officer Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 418 8900 Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey
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Update on Annual Report and Accounts for 2006 July 02, 2007
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London, 2 July 2007 - Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or 'the Company') announces an update on the filing of the Company's Annual Report and Accounts for 2006.
There will be a delay before the Annual Report and Accounts are filed and released to shareholders. This delay is due in part to activities relating to the recently announced (11 June, 2007) conditional Merger Agreement relating to a proposed merger of Equator and CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited ('CEHL').
The Company is working diligently to ensure that the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts are signed off and released as soon as possible.
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration +44 (0)207235-2555 Philip Dimmock Chief Operating Officer Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser to Equator) +44 (0)207 418 8900 Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey
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Proposed Reverse Takeover June 11, 2007
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Bilabri Oil Development
May 14, 2007
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London, 14 May 2007 - Further to the News Release of 8 May 2007, Equator Exploration Limited (the 'Company') announces that it is negotiating a further extension period with Peak Petroleum Industries Nigeria Limited ('Peak') to commence funding its share of the Bilabri Oil Development in OML 122, offshore Nigeria. Peak has confirmed that it is continuing discussions regarding its funding alternatives and the Company believes that a further extension to allow time for Peak to complete its funding is in the best interest of the Company and the Bilabri Oil Development.
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration +44 (0)207235-2555 Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer Philip Dimmock Chief Operating Officer
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser) +44(0)207 418 8900 Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse Ben Willey
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Bilabri Update May 08, 2007
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London, 8 May 2007 - In a News Release on 30 April, 2007, Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator' or the 'Company') announced that it was continuing negotiations with Peak Petroleum Industries Nigeria Limited ('Peak') with respect to the commercial terms on which Peak will may remedy its default of its outstanding financial obligations under the Finance and Service Agreement.
The Company announces today that it has granted Peak a further extension to the payment date to end by 18:00 hours on Friday, 11 May (the 'extended remedy period'). In the event that Peak is unable to organise finance and agree terms to remedy its default by the extended remedy period then Equator will assume 80 per cent. of the available profit hydrocarbons from the Bilabri field as opposed to its existing approximately 56 per cent. entitlement to profit oil and 40 per cent. entitlement to gas, from the field.
Enquiries:
Equator Exploration +44 (0)207 235-2555 Philip Dimmock Chief Operating Officer Philip Rand Chief Financial Officer
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd (Nominated Adviser) +44(0)207 418 8900 Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer
Buchanan Communications +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Bobby Morse/Ben Willey
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Statement re Share Price Movement May 04, 2007
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Equator Exploration Limited notes the recent share price movement and announces that the possible corporate activity previously announced may take the form of the Company acquiring a larger entity in a transaction which would be classified as a reverse takeover for the purposes of the AIM Rules. The Company has therefore requested that trading in its securities be suspended with immediate effect.
Shareholders should note that discussions in relation to the transaction are not complete and there can be no guarantee that a successful transaction can be concluded. Trading is anticipated to recommence either when the Company posts an Admission Document in relation to the transaction or confirms that discussions have terminated.
A further announcement will be made in due course.
Contacts:
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd, (Nominated Adviser) Jonathan Marren Richard Kauffer 020 7418 8900
Buchanan Communications Bobby Morse 020 7466 5000 |
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Bilabri Project Update April 30, 2007
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London, 30th April 2007 - In a News Release on 5th March, 2007, Equator Exploration Limited ('Equator or 'the Company') announce | | | | |