Hercules Offshore to Acquire TODCO for $2.3 B
Hercules Offshore, Inc. entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Hercules Offshore will acquire 100% of the outstanding stock of TODCO in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $2.3 billion. The combined company will operate a fleet of 33 jackup rigs, 27 barge rigs, 64 liftboats, three submersible rigs, nine land rigs and one platform rig and have operations in ten different countries on five continents. The boards of directors of Hercules Offshore and TODCO unanimously approved the transaction. Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, as well as both Hercules Offshore and TODCO shareholder approval.
Marine Drilling Companies Reports a Prosperous 2000
Three years ago Marine Drilling Companies weathered a challenging year, posting its first operating lost in four years. Today the company has conquered those challenges, positioning Marine to make the most of a world of opportunities in fiscal 2000. Marine Drilling Companies, Inc. is engaged in offshore contract drilling of oil and gas wells for independent and major oil and gas companies. Operations are conducted in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and internationally. The company owns and operates a fleet of 17 offshore drilling rigs consisting of five independent leg jack-up units, four of which have a cantilever feature, 10 mat supported jack-up units, five of which have a cantilever feature, and two semi-submersible units.
Marine Drilling Reports Fourth Quarter Results
Marine Drilling Companies Inc. reported fourth quarter 1999 net income of $2.5 million, or $0.04 per share, on revenues of $44.8 million, compared to net income of $7.0 million, or $0.13 per share, on revenues of $43.0 million for the fourth quarter of 1998. Average daily revenue for the fourth quarter of 1999 decreased to $33,643 per operating day compared to $39,666 per operating day during the same period in 1998. However, utilization increased to 90% from 78% for the same respective periods. Jan Rask, president and chief executive officer of Marine, said, "We are encouraged by the recent market improvements in utilization and dayrates, particularly for jack-up rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, where our utilization increased to 100% for the fourth quarter from 86% in the third quarter.
