Apache Corporation has completed the previously announced sale of its Gulf of Mexico Shelf operations and properties to Fieldwood Energy LLC, a portfolio company of Riverstone Holdings, for $3.75 billion in cash (subject to customary post-closing adjustments) and assumption of liabilities for future abandonment costs of the properties with a discounted value of $1.5 billion.

Apache retained 50 percent of its ownership interest in all exploration blocks and in horizons below production in developed blocks, where high-potential deep hydrocarbon plays are being tested.

"Completing this transaction is a significant step toward our goal of rebalancing Apache's portfolio to focus on assets that can generate strong returns and drive more predictable production growth, including our deep inventory of onshore liquids assets in North America," said G. Steven Farris, chairman and chief executive officer.

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