Wentworth Resources and Maurel & Prom S.A. have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Wentworth by M&P.

Summary

• Under the terms of the Acquisition, which will be subject to the Conditions and certain further terms set out in Appendix 1 to this Announcement and to the full terms and conditions which will be set out in the Scheme Document, Wentworth Shareholders will be entitled to receive: for each Wentworth Share: 32.5 pence in cash
• The Acquisition values the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Wentworth at approximately £61.7 million. This represents a premium of approximately 30.0 per cent. to the closing price of 25.0 pence per Wentworth Share on 2 December 2022 (being the last Business Day prior to this Announcement)
• Adjusting for Wentworth's existing cash of approximately US$30.2 million as at 1 November 2022, which was equal to approximately 12.9 pence per Wentworth share, the Acquisition values the business and non-cash net assets of Wentworth(1) at approximately £37.1 million.
• This represents a premium of approximately 62.2 per cent. to the closing price of 25.0 pence per Wentworth Share on 2 December 2022 (being the last Business Day prior to this Announcement) when this closing price is similarly adjusted for cash.
• The Acquisition represents a material increase to the initial indicative offer price proposed by M&P on 23 September 2022.

Background to and reasons for the Acquisition

• Wentworth's sole non-cash asset is its non-operated 31.94% (direct and indirect) interest in the Mnazi Bay gas asset in Tanzania. As the majority owner and operator of the Mnazi Bay gas asset, M&P is familiar with and has a good understanding of the value of the Mnazi Bay asset and accordingly of Wentworth. As partners in the asset, M&P and Wentworth have an existing relationship which extends over a number of years.
• The Acquisition will provide Wentworth Shareholders with an immediate upfront realisation of value in cash for their Wentworth Shares at a substantial premium to the market price, and an opportunity to realise this value despite the limited liquidity in Wentworth Shares. As M&P is a partner and the operator of the Mnazi Bay asset with existing in-country relationships this is expected to facilitate a timely implementation of the Acquisition and a smooth continuation of operations. 

Olivier de Langavant, Chief Executive Officer of M&P said:
"As the operator of the Mnazi Bay gas field, increasing our stake through the acquisition of Wentworth is a logical step and reflects our stated strategy of maximising value from existing assets. Mnazi Bay is an important project to M&P and we look forward to ensuring it continues to make a positive impact, helping Tanzania meet its increasing energy demands and enabling local development. We are pleased to have agreed a fair value with Wentworth and will provide further updates on the acquisition process in due course."

Tim Bushell, Chairman of Wentworth, said:
"The Board of Wentworth is pleased to recommend the acquisition by M&P which represents a substantial premium to Wentworth’s prevailing share price and offers an opportunity for our shareholders to realise this value in the near term for cash.

Wentworth has created significant value for shareholders over recent years through share price appreciation alongside substantial capital return from both dividends and share buybacks. Having pursued the Company’s stated strategy of further growth in Tanzania in recent years, the Board believes the offer from M&P delivers immediate value to our shareholders at an opportune time.

M&P is the operator and majority owner of our sole asset, Mnazi Bay, and this is a logical combination that we believe is in the best interests of our shareholders, wider stakeholders and of Tanzania. Wentworth will now work with its in-country stakeholders to assist M&P to achieve the required regulatory approvals in a timely manner and deliver this compelling outcome for our shareholders.” 

KeyFacts Energy: Maurel & Prom Tanzania country profile