Newpek LLC — Eagle Ford Shale News — Eagle Ford Shale Play

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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.

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.

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.

Reliance Industries enter the fold in South Texas with a $1.15 billion (~$12,000 per acre) Eagle Ford acquisition. Reliance paid Pioneer $266 million upfront and will carry development costs up to $879 million. Reliance also acquired a similar interest from Newpek LLC for $210 million to give it consistent ownership across the partnerships acreage in Bee, DeWitt, Karnes, La Salle, Live Oak, and McMullen counties.

"Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD) ("Pioneer" or "the Company") today announced the Company signed a joint venture agreement with a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited ("Reliance"). Under the agreement, Pioneer will sell a 45% interest in approximately 212,000 net acres leased by the Company in the highly prospective Eagle Ford Shale play for a total price of $1.15 billion. Reliance will pay $266 million in cash to Pioneer at closing and will pay an additional $879 million to carry Pioneer's share of future drilling costs ("drilling carry"). Reliance will also participate with Pioneer in the development of midstream assets in the Eagle Ford Shale as a 49.9% partner. Closing is expected within five business days. Reliance has also entered into a joint venture agreement with Pioneer's existing partner in the Eagle Ford Shale play, Newpek LLC, for total consideration of approximately $210 million."

Read the full press release at pioneernrc.com