Statoil ASA and Brigham Exploration Company (NASDAQ: BEXP) announced that an entity controlled by Statoil, Fargo Acquisition Inc., has commenced the previously-announced tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Brigham at a price of $36.50 per share, net to the seller in cash without interest thereon and less any applicable withholding taxes. Statoil is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission today a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase and related letter of transmittal, setting forth in detail the terms of the Offer. Additionally, Brigham is filing with the SEC today a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 setting forth in detail…