Valaris Gears up for Possible Debt Restructuring
Offshore oil driller Valaris PLC is exploring debt restructuring options as it grapples with a rig accident and a broader collapse in energy prices, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.Valaris has tapped debt restructuring attorneys at law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP for advice on ways to rework its roughly $6.5 billion debt pile, and is exploring enlisting a turnaround firm that specializes in urgently addressing stressed finances to bolster its roster of advisers, the…
Fieldwood Hungry for US Offshore Output
The Chief Executive of offshore oil and gas driller Fieldwood Energy LLC, Matt McCarroll, says he is not scared of the hurricanes, geological risks and costs that keep some oil companies out of the Gulf of Mexico. Instead, he is doubling down. The private equity-backed company - already the largest operator on the U.S. outer continental shelf - announced on Thursday it is closing a $480 million acquisition of Noble Energy’s assets in the Gulf of Mexico that will add 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) to its current net production of 72,000 bpd of oil equivalent.
Paragon Offshore Eyes Options after Court Denies Bankruptcy Plan
Paragon Offshore Plc said on Friday it was evaluating its options after a U.S. judge rejected the offshore rig contractor's plan to exit bankruptcy, an unusual setback for a corporate Chapter 11 proceeding. In an oral ruling in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Delaware, Judge Christopher Sontchi said the plan was not feasible because it removes too much cash from the company during the current downturn. The ruling does not preclude the company from a restructuring under a different plan, he said. "The company continues to believe, but cannot provide any assurances, that a positive resolution of the company's restructuring process can be achieved," Paragon said in a statement following the ruling.
Upstream O&G Companies Face Interest Payments Friday
At least 10 upstream oil and gas companies, cramped for cash in the oil downturn, must make coupon payments Friday, April 15, according to Thomson Reuters data. Among them are oil and gas giant Chesapeake Energy Corp , which completed a debt swap last year, and Linn Energy LLC. Linn skipped interest payments due last month. (Reporting by Jessica DiNapoli; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)
Paragon Offshore to File for Bankruptcy
Paragon Offshore Plc said it will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on or before Feb. 14, becoming the first U.S. energy-related company to seek court protection from creditors this year amid a plunge in oil prices. The Houston-based driller, which has rigs around the world, has been struggling with a heavy debt load. Paragon decided not to make a $15.4 million bond interest payment due Jan. 15, triggering a 30-day grace period before default. Paragon had $732 million in cash at Sept. 30, according to public filings.
