Mandatory Cash Offer by Centrica Resources (UK) Limited ("Centrica Resources") a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centrica for Venture Production plc ("Venture")
Venture recommendation to accept the Offer
Centrica notes the announcement made earlier today by Venture that the Venture Board recommends that, in the event that the Offer is declared wholly unconditional by Centrica, Shareholders accept the Offer, as the directors of Venture have decided that they will do in respect of their own beneficial holdings.
Centrica expects that settlement of the acquisitions of Shares, announced on 21 August and 24 August 2009, will occur on 27 August 2009, thus enabling Centrica Resources to declare the Offer wholly unconditional at that time.
Commenting on Venture's announcement, Centrica CEO, Sam Laidlaw, said:
"We are pleased that the Venture board has recommended that its shareholders accept our offer, in the event that it is declared wholly unconditional. I believe this is in the best interests of shareholders and Venture employees. I know that the acquisition process will have created uncertainty for Venture staff but I can reassure them that we intend to develop and grow the business and their skills and experience will be vital to a successful future.
The deal sees us continuing our investment in the North Sea which is good news for our customers and shareholders. It further reduces our overall exposure to volatile movements in wholesale gas prices and helps secure UK energy supplies."
The Offer is final and will not be increased, except that Centrica Resources reserves the right to revise and/or increase the Offer if a competitive situation arises.
Capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the offer document sent to Shareholders on 16 July 2009 (the "Offer Document").