Cenovus Energy Inc. and one of its subsidiaries have entered into an agreement to sell the general partnership that holds the Pipestone and Wembley natural gas and liquids business in northwestern Alberta (the “Pipestone Business”) for cash proceeds of $625 million. The transaction also includes the Pipestone Business’s 39% operated working interest in the Wembley gas plant. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions.

“I’m pleased with this important step towards streamlining and rationalizing our acreage in the Deep Basin,” said Alex Pourbaix, President & Chief Executive Officer. “These are high quality assets and we believe the Pipestone transaction will provide compelling value for Cenovus shareholders.”

As with previous divestitures, proceeds from this sale will be used to further deleverage the company’s balance sheet.

Cenovus is in various stages of evaluating and marketing other non-core Deep Basin assets for potential divestment. The company is encouraged by the high level of interest it has seen in these processes but remains resolute that all asset dispositions are contingent upon receiving fair value for the company’s shareholders.