Magellan, Vaalco Sign LOI for Bakken Development in Montana

- Magellan, Vaalco Sign LOI for Bakken Development in Montana

Monday, July 18, 2011
Magellan Petroleum Corporation

Magellan Petroleum Corporation signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Vaalco Energy Inc. to begin work on developing the Bakken formation and deeper horizons within the East Poplar Unit and Northwest Poplar Field in Roosevelt County, Montana (Poplar).

The LOI terms remain subject to closing on a definitive Purchase and Sale Agreement ("PSA"). The LOI contemplates a farm-out to VAALCO of an operating working interest in all of the approximately 23,000 net acres of oil, gas and mineral leases covering the Bakken and deeper formations at Poplar.

VAALCO has agreed to acquire 65% in return for cash consideration and for bearing 100% of the cost to drill three wells by the end of 2012. Parties would then move forward together as 65% / 35% owners respectively to further develop the prospects.

Magellan will retain its current ownership for all formations above the Bakken, including the currently producing Charles and Tyler formations where all Poplar proved and probable reserves are located.

William Hastings, President and CEO commented, "After conducting evaluation drilling, coring, and petrography work, we remain very encouraged about a number of prospective horizons at Poplar. Our new partnership with VAALCO is another step, with a strong and experienced partner, toward monetizing this asset and accelerating near-term development and production, not only from the Bakken but also from the Three Forks, Red River and associated deeper formations there in Montana. Given existing oil and gas infrastructure, our summer recompletion/infill program, our shallow gas plans, and, now, our Bakken partnership, we will continue efforts to add value, and perhaps extend, our position in Montana.

Magellan is a US-based energy company principally engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil and "stranded" natural gas. Magellan's strategy involves the exploitation of already discovered oil and natural gas properties worldwide into non-traditional, growing markets. The company's properties and exploration acreage are located primarily in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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