Transocean Services AS ("Transocean" or the "Company"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) (SIX: RIGN), today, after receiving clearance by the Oslo Stock Exchange, launched its all cash voluntary offer (the "Offer") for 100 percent of the shares of Aker Drilling ASA ("Aker Drilling") for NOK 26.50 per share. The Offer has been made on the same terms as the previously announced voluntary offer, except that it has been made on an unconditional basis and with settlement guaranteed by a financial institution.
The Offer period begins August 26, 2011 and ends on September 23, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. (EDT), 5:30 p.m. (CEST). To date, Transocean and its affiliates have acquired 13.7% of the shares and votes in Aker Drilling, and shareholders representing 59.5% of the total share capital of Aker Drilling have given their unconditional and irrevocable pre-acceptances to the Offer.
The Offer document has been reviewed and approved by the Oslo Stock Exchange in accordance with Section 6-14 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This document will, subject to restrictions under applicable securities laws, be available during the Offer period at the website of Transocean Ltd. (www.deepwater.com), and the website of Fearnley Fonds (www.fearnleyfonds.com). The document will also be sent to the shareholders of Aker Drilling, subject to restrictions under applicable securities laws.
The Offer and the distribution of this announcement and other information in connection with the Offer may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Transocean assumes no responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. Persons into whose possession this announcement or such other information should come are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.