Reliance Industries Seeks Buyer for Eagle Ford JV Interest

Pioneer Natural Resources' Production Chart
Pioneer Natural Resources' Production Chart

India's Reliance Industries is looking for a buyer for its interest in a three-way joint Eagle Ford joint venture, according to Bloomberg, which cited "people familiar with the matter." The other players in the JV are Irving, Texas-based Pioneer Natural Resources Co. and a division of Mexico's Alfa SAB de CV - Newpek, LLC.

Mumbai-based Reliance entered the Eagle Ford in 2010 for $1.15-billion. The deal included a 45% interest in Pioneer's Eagle Ford acreage. Currently, Pioneer has ~230,000 gross acres across the play, and a 46% interest in the JV. Newpek, LLC has a 9% interest.

Read more:Reliance - Pioneer - Newpek Joint Venture

The assets included in the JV are in the heart of the Eagle Ford's condensate window. In June, Pioneer garnered headlines when it received permission from the U.S. Commerce Department (U.S. DoC) to export minimally processed condensate to foreign buyers. With the green light from the U.S. DoC, the assets have become even more attractive and more valuable. Total assets are valued at ~$4 billion, according to Bloomberg's sources.

Read more: Pioneer CEO Confirms Condensate Exports to Europe

Earlier this year, Pioneer tabled a deal to sell its interest in the Eagle Ford JV, but will likely consider another offer if the price is right. Newpek, LLC is also reportedly looking for a buyer, according to Bloomberg.

In the second quarter, Pioneer posted record net production in the Eagle Ford of 47 mboe/d. Pioneer, which is the operator for the assets, expects to place 125 wells online in 2014.