Aramco signs $12.4bn investment deal with EIG

Aramco signs $12.4bn investment deal with EIG
Aramco signs $12.4bn investment deal with EIG

In one of the world's largest infrastructure transactions; Aramco signed a deal with a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners (EIG) to optimize its assets. This is through a lease-and-lease-back agreement involving its stabilized crude oil pipeline network.

Upfront proceeds

Upon closing, Aramco will receive upfront proceeds of around $12.4bn; further strengthening its balance sheet through one of the largest energy infrastructure deals globally.

The transaction represents a continuation of Aramco's strategy to unlock the potential of its asset base. Besides, maximizing value for its shareholders. It also reinforces Aramco's role as a catalyst for attracting significant foreign investment into the Kingdom.

As part of the transaction, a newly-formed Aramco subsidiary, Aramco Oil Pipelines Company, will also lease usage rights in Aramco's stabilized crude oil pipeline network for a 25-year period. In return, Aramco Oil Pipelines Company will receive a tariff payable by Aramco for the stabilized crude oil that flows through the network; backed by minimum volume commitments.

Landmark transaction

Aramco will also hold a 51 percent majority stake in the new company and the EIG-led consortium will hold a 49 percent stake. Aramco will continue to retain full ownership and operational control of its stabilized crude oil pipeline network. The transaction will not impose any restrictions on Aramco's actual crude oil production volumes that are subject to production decisions issued by the Kingdom.

Aramco President and CEO, Amin Nasser, also said: "This landmark transaction defines the way forward for our portfolio optimization program."

"We are capitalizing on new opportunities that also align strategically with the Kingdom's recently launched Shareek program. Aramco's strong capital structure will further enhance with this transaction, which in turn will help maximize returns for our shareholders."

"Additionally, our long-term partners in this venture will benefit from investment in one of the world's most robust energy infrastructures. Moving forward, we will continue to explore opportunities that underpin our strategy of long-term value creation," Nasser added.

Abdulaziz M. Al Gudaimi, Aramco Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, said; "In addition to strengthening our balance sheet, this deal sets a new benchmark for infrastructure transactions both regionally and internationally."

Long-term outlook

"It is a vote of confidence in our long-term outlook by EIG and other heavyweights in the investment world and reflects the significant progress we are making in our portfolio optimization program. This transaction unlocks value from our assets and strengthen Aramco's resilience, agility and ability to respond to changing market dynamics."

R. Blair Thomas, EIG's Chairman and CEO, said: "We are also honored to partner with Aramco; an undisputed industry leader, on this landmark transaction. Aramco's oil pipeline network is a marquee global infrastructure asset. We look forward to investing in this infrastructure; which is critical to the global economy, and to driving value for our institutional investors worldwide."

The long-term investment by EIG and other institutional investors underscores the compelling investment opportunity represented by Aramco's globally significant pipeline assets; the Company's long-term outlook and the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia as a desirable investment destination for international investors. The transaction is to close as soon as practicable; subject to customary closing conditions, including any required merger control as well as related approvals. 

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
Ajel
english.ajel.sa