Gaz de France has acquired 45 percent stake in the Alam El Shawish West license in Egypt from Greek company Vegas Oil and Gas. The license is located at the Abu Gharadig Basin in the Western Desert, southwest of Alexandria. Several significant discoveries have already been made there and an exploration program has been under way. Oil production is expected to begin very shortly, followed by natural gas production in the years to come. Vegas Oil and Gas will remain the operator for the license. The transaction is subject to approval by the Egyptian authorities. A company announcement said that through this acquisition, Gas De France will be able to increase its portfolio of reserves by at least 30 million of barrels of oil equivalent, according to preliminary estimates.