Penn West Petroleum has signed an agreement to sell non-core assets located in south central Alberta for expected proceeds of approximately $355 million to a private company. The assets are currently producing approximately 7,500 barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") per day (weighted approximately 80 percent toward natural gas and natural gas liquids).

The disposition represents less than five percent of the Company's proved and probable reserve base, estimated at December 31, 2013, to be 625 million boe. Subject to the satisfaction of customary regulatory and other closing conditions, the Company expects the transaction to close in early December 2014. CIBC World Markets Inc. acted as financial advisor to Penn West on the transaction.

The sale provides attractive sale metrics of approximately $47,000 per flowing barrel. The disposition further reduces Penn West's well bore count by approximately 2,250 gross wells, which is expected to have a favourable impact on the Company's asset retirement obligation. These assets are considered non-core to Penn West and were not allocated any current or future development capital under the Company's long-term plan.

Tags: Penn West Petroleum Ltd.