Centrica says that its wholly owned subsidiary, Centrica Resources (UK) Limited, has acquired 33,016,611 ordinary shares of Venture for cash, equivalent to approximately 22.0 per cent. of Venture's issued share capital, at a price of 725 pence per share and approximately £239.4 million in total.

Centrica, together with its concert parties, now holds a total of 33,445,180 ordinary shares of Venture, equivalent to approximately 22.3 per cent. of Venture's issued share capital.

Centrica, through its broker, Goldman Sachs International, may acquire further shares in Venture.

Centrica is considering its options in relation to Venture, which could include making a possible cash offer for Venture. There can be no certainty that an offer will ultimately be made by Centrica for Venture.

Tags: Centrica plc, Venture Production plc