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ARROW Energy Limited (AOE) is one step closer toward takeover after it recommended shareholders back a $3.44 billion deal from Royal Dutch Shell and PetroChina, after a 5.6 per cent rise on the previous offer.
If shareholders agree to the scheme they will be given $4.70 per share plus a stake in new entity Dart Energy Limited, to be listed on the ASX after a demerger of 90 per cent of international assets.
Dart Energy will be led by the current Arrow management team and will also include the company’s 21 per cent stake in Apollo Gas Limited (AZO), a 7.5 per cent stake in Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (LNG) and 1.4 per cent in Bow Energy Limited (BOW).
Arrow Energy chairman John Reynolds, says the transaction ‘crystallises’ the value of the company’s Queensland assets, which have matured through rigorous execution of its business strategy.
“In addition, we are creating an exciting opportunity for Arrow Energy shareholders to continue to participate in a portfolio of earlier-stage development assets in Australia and the broader Asian region,” says Reynolds.
“That company will be led by the same management team that successfully grew Arrow Energy into a major Australian energy company.”
CEO Nick Davies (pictured), says Dart has the opportunity to become a leading coal seam gas company, given its portfolio of assets and a strong funding position.
“The existing portfolio of assets and additional opportunities we have in the pipeline provide a great platform to replicate our Queensland success,” says Davies.
“We look forward to continuing the journey with existing Arrow Energy shareholders.”
Scheme booklets are expected to be sent out in early June, with the implementation of the acquisition expected early August.
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