The Board of Directors of EnCana Corporation has unanimously approved plans to proceed with a corporate reorganization to split EnCana into two highly focused energy companies: one a natural gas company – EnCana (GasCo), which has an outstanding portfolio of prolific shale and other gas resource plays across North America, and the other an integrated oil company – Cenovus Energy Inc., which has industry-leading enhanced oil production and top-performing refineries, as well as an underlying foundation of reliable oil and gas resource plays. This transaction – expected to close November 30, 2009 - is designed to enhance long-term value for EnCana shareholders by creating two sustainable, independent, publicly traded companies, each with an ability to pursue and achieve greater success by employing operational strategies best suited to its unique assets and business plans.
EnCana first announced the proposed corporate reorganization on May 11, 2008 and was advancing plans for the split last fall when the global debt and equity markets experienced unprecedented turmoil and volatility. Given that uncertainty, EnCana announced on October 15, 2008 a revision to the original reorganization schedule and delayed seeking shareholder and court approval for the transaction until clear signs of stability returned to the financial markets.
“We believe the conditions are now favourable to proceed with the split. Equity and debt markets have improved significantly with debt financing available at reasonable cost. Global and national economic indicators suggest that the world’s economies are showing promising signs of recovery. As well, the strategic rationale for creating two leading energy companies remains as sound as ever – the conversion of one leading unconventional resource company into two independent, premium entities unlocks greater long-term shareholder value from industry-leading North American energy assets,” said Randy Eresman, EnCana’s President & Chief Executive Officer.
“While natural gas prices are currently low, we have reduced our near-term commodity price risk by hedging a significant portion of our expected production for the 2009-2010 gas year. We are a leader in low-cost natural gas production and our continued pursuit of that objective helps us enhance our competitive position during periods of low commodity prices. Over the longer term, we believe the current low natural gas prices are not sustainable and we expect a recovery in prices in 2010,” Eresman said.
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