Steven Newman News

Offshore drilling firms Seadrill Limited and Aquadrill (ex-Seadrill Partners) on Thursday announced a definitive merger agreement under which Seadrill will acquire Aquadrill in an all-stock transaction. When the transaction is completed, Seadrill shareholders and Aquadrill unitholders will own 62% and 38% of the common shares in the new company, respectively. Based on Seadrill's 30-day volume-weighted average share price of US$31.25 on the NYSE as of December 22, 2022, the deal…

Larry T. Rigdon will serve as interim president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Tidewater Inc. while a search committee seeks a permanent successor to Jeffrey M. Platt, who has elected to retire from his role as director, president and CEO of offshore service vessels (OSV) owner and operator effective October 15, 2017. “Having successfully completed the financial restructuring of Tidewater at the end of July, which positioned the company to weather current industry conditions and achieve success in the future…

The CFO of Houston-based National Oilwell Varco Inc. (NOV) is stepping down to become CEO of Transocean Ltd. (RIG), one of NOV’s largest customers. Effective April 22, Jeremy Thigpen will become CEO of Switzerland-based Transocean, which has its main U.S. office in Houston. Thigpen succeeds Ian Strachan, who had been serving as interim CEO since Steven Newman stepped down in February. Strachan, who is also the company's Chairman of the Board of Directors, will retire from the Board at the end of his term at the 2015 Annual General Meeting following approximately 16 years of service. Prior to joining Transocean, Thigpen spent his career in various roles at  NOV and has served since 2012 as NOV's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Swiss driller Transocean Ltd. announced yesterday that it intends to scrap, in an environmentally responsible manner, two offshore rigs: GSF Aleutian Key and Sedco 707. The rigs are classified as held for sale.   As a result of this decision, the company expects its first quarter 2015 results to include an estimated non-cash charge of $90 million to $110 million, net of taxes. Including these two rigs, Transocean has announced plans to scrap a total of 18 floaters.   As the company continues to evaluate the long-term competitiveness of its fleet, additional rigs may be identified as candidates for scrapping.   Transocean is in the middle of a search for a replacement for Steven Newman, who stepped down as CEO in February.

Transocean Ltd shares are expected to move about 8 percent in either direction following its earnings results on Wednesday, options data showed, but positioning among traders suggests some worry. This would be the biggest post-earnings move for the shares in at least eight quarters. The outlook among traders was pessimistic, however, as seven of the ten most active Transocean options on Tuesday were puts, which are usually either a bet on or a hedge against the shares falling. "People are very cautious going into the earnings," said J.J.

Transocean Ltd, the owner of the world's largest offshore drilling fleet, said it was likely to retire additional rigs as the company continued to face pressure due to slowdown in an oversupplied rig market. The drilling contractor's shares rose as much as 3 percent in early trading after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results on Monday. The recent slide in oil prices has weighed on demand for offshore services as oil and gas producers cut costs. Day rates…

Transocean Ltd. informs it has received a decision by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on phase one of litigation related to the April 20, 2010 Macondo well incident involving the Deepwater Horizon. [Background:a US judge has ruled BP was "grossly negligent" in the lead-up to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. •    Contractual indemnity: The Court found that BP's contractual agreement to indemnify Transocean for compensatory damages is valid and enforceable. •    Liability for punitive damages: The Court's finding that Transocean was not grossly negligent means that the company is not liable for punitive damages.

Reuters - Transocean Ltd, owner of the world's largest offshore drilling fleet, said it could take up to 18-24 months for demand to recover as customers delay drilling programs. Demand for offshore rigs is tapering as major oil companies trim exploration and production budgets in the face of investor demands for higher returns. Transocean, whose deepwater fleet is relatively older than that of its competitors, said about 19 of its deepwater and ultra deepwater rigs will be up for contracts in 2014. In comparison, rival Ensco Plc will have eight rigs available for contract, while Seadrill Ltd will have five in 2014. A lease normally runs for five years or more.

Transocean Ltd. announced that J. Michael Talbert has advised the Board of Directors that, if reelected at the company's upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 17, he will retire from the board no later than the company's 2014 AGM. To facilitate an orderly transition of leadership, should Mr. Talbert be elected by the Board as Chairman following the upcoming AGM, he will step down as Chairman no later than the Board's November 2013 meeting, at which time a new, independent Chairman will be announced. Mr. Talbert, formerly CEO of Transocean from 1994 to 2002, has served on the Board of Directors since 1994. Mr. Talbert said, "I am honored to have served Transocean, and to have done so as a member of a very knowledgeable and experienced Board of Directors.

Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) (SIX: RIGN) has announced  that it has closed on the previously disclosed transaction to sell 38 shallow water drilling rigs to Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd. ("Shelf Drilling"). Shelf Drilling is a newly-formed company sponsored equally by Castle Harlan, CHAMP Private Equity and Lime Rock Partners. The $1.05 billion sales price includes approximately $855 million in cash, subject to working capital and other closing adjustments, and $195 million in seller financing, which is in the form of preference shares issued by an affiliate of Shelf Drilling. As previously disclosed, Transocean will provide various transition support services to Shelf Drilling for a period of time subsequent to the closing of the transaction.

Transocean Ltd. has announced that Ricardo Rosa will step down as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective January 9, 2012. After a transition period, Mr. Rosa is expected to retire from Transocean effective April 30, 2012. Steven Newman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "On behalf of Transocean I offer my sincere thanks to Ricardo for his many years of service to the company and wish him all the best in his future endeavors." An executive search firm has been retained to aid in the identification of Mr. Rosa's successor. Effective January 9, 2012, and until a permanent replacement is named, Gregory L. Cauthen (54) will return to the company in the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr.

Transocean officially opened its state-of-the-art training center and offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The training center and offices were opened by Dato’ Wee Yiaw Hin, Executive Vice President, Exploration and Production, of PETRONAS, and Steven L. Newman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transocean. “It is exciting to celebrate the opening of our Kuala Lumpur facilities, and we are honored to have Dato’ Wee join us for this event,” said Steven Newman. The 32,000-square-foot Transocean offices and training center are located in the G Tower in downtown Kuala Lumpur, close to the PETRONAS Towers. Approximately 120 Transocean personnel work in the Kuala Lumpur facilities.

Transocean Services AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) (SIX: RIGN), has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of the shares of Aker Drilling ASA ("Aker Drilling") for NOK 26.50 per share. This acquisition further strengthens Transocean's industry leadership position, adding approximately $1 billion in backlog as well as Aker's two harsh environment, semi-submersible drilling rigs and two drillships under construction in Korea. Steven Newman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transocean Ltd., said, "We are very excited about the opportunities this combination brings, both financially and strategically.

Transocean Services AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) (SIX: RIGN), announced an all cash voluntary offer for 100 percent of the shares of Aker Drilling ASA for NOK 26.50 per share. The Board of Directors of Aker Drilling has unanimously recommended that its shareholders accept the Offer. On August 14, 2011, Transocean entered into an irrevocable agreement with Aker Capital AS to acquire 41 percent of the outstanding shares of Aker Drilling through (a) the purchase of 14…

Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) announced that Rob Saltiel, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity. Steven Newman, President, will assume the duties of Chief Operating Officer while the company considers alternatives. Previously, the company announced that Newman will become Chief Executive Officer in early 2010 when Bob Long plans to retire as CEO.

Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) announced the following appointment within its senior management team, effective Dec. 1, 2009: Rob Saltiel, currently Executive Vice President, Performance, will become Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Steven Newman, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will remain President until he becomes Chief Executive Officer in early 2010 when Bob Long plans to retire as CEO.