GeoPark Limited (GPRK), a leading independent Latin American oil and gas explorer, operator and consolidator with operations and growth platforms in Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru, announced the acquisition of three
blocks in the Neuquen Basin in Argentina with oil and gas production, reserves and resources.
On December 18, 2017, GeoPark executed an asset purchase agreement (APA) with Pluspetrol, a private oil
and gas company with strong presence across Latin America, to acquire a 100% working interest and
operatorship of the Aguada Baguales, El Porvenir and Puesto Touquet blocks (the blocks) for a total
consideration of $52 million. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and is
expected in the first quarter 2018.
The blocks include:
- oil and gas production of 2,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) - 70% light oil and 30% gas
- low risk self-funding development and exploration opportunities to increase production
- proven and probable (2P) oil and gas reserves of approximately 12-14 million barrels of oil equivalent
(mmboe) and 3P reserves of approximately 18-20 mmboe (GeoPark estimates)
- exploration resources of approximately 15-30 mmboe (GeoPark estimates), plus additional upside
potential in the Vaca Muerta unconventional play
- 137,000 acres well-positioned in the Neuquen Basin
- production facilities, including hydrocarbons treatment, storage, and delivery infrastructure
GeoPark is acquiring the blocks to strengthen its growing position in Argentina and has identified attractive
development and exploration projects on the blocks with the potential to significantly increase production and
reserves – mainly funded with its own cash flow. The acquisition will also provide tax savings and operational
synergies with GeoPark’s existing platform in Argentina.
James F. Park, Chief Executive Officer of GeoPark, said: “We are very pleased to acquire these attractive
blocks - with a full mix of production, reserves and upside - in the heart of the Neuquen Basin; one of the
most prolific hydrocarbon basins in Latin America and where our team has a proven history of exploration
success and operating experience. This acquisition is another important building block being added to the
underlying foundation of GeoPark’s risk-balanced project portfolio, which has been the steady engine behind
GeoPark’s 15-year consistent track-record of continuous growth across Latin America.”
