HRT and Rosneft in continuation to the preliminary agreement disclosed to the market on November 22nd, 2013, have signed, on March 22nd 2014, the final agreements, regarding HRT O&G’s sale of 6% working interest, which will hold 49%, and the transfer of operatorship in their Joint Venture in the Solimões Sedimentary Basin to Rosneft Brasil, holding 51%. As previously released, this transaction also encompasses the sale of four heli-transportable drilling rigs by HRT BV to Rosneft LatAm.

The relevant transaction amounts to USD 96 million. From that amount, USD 54 million were received during the second half of 2013, other USD 18 million will be received by the end of the first quarter of 2014, and the remaining amount of USD 24 million will be received when transaction is completed upon ANP approval in mid-2014. The total amount refers to the sale of 6% working interest, the transfer of operatorship in their Joint Venture in the Solimões Sedimentary Basin to Rosneft, the sale of four heli-transportable drilling rigs and the settlement of the outstanding cash calls owed by Rosneft until October 2013. Rosneft will also provide HRT a loan facility up to USD 40 million to finance HRT investments in Solimões for a period of 12 months from the closing date. Rosneft Brasil is fully in compliance with its Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) obligations.

The transition process between the teams of both companies has already begun. HRT and Rosneft Brasil have been working on the transition of their teams, including the transfer of HRT personnel to Rosneft Brasil and operations, so that the final transfer occurs in a continuous and integrated manner, and observing safety, performance and quality standards. The signing of the final agreements replaces the preliminary agreement as of November 22nd, 2013. Completion of the purchase and sale agreement between HRT O&G and Rosneft Brasil of the 6% working interest (Solimões Blocks) will be contingent upon the fulfilment of certain contractual conditions, including the final approval by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).

"Signing of these agreements means excellent news for both companies. Restatement of this partnership brings HRT the confirmation of our partner’s confidence, and also ours, in the potential for development of the Solimões Basin. We own a large knowledge of Solimões and we believe in the potential for exploration and future development", highlighted Milton Franke, CEO of HRT.