TOP NEWS: BHP in talks to sell USD15 billion petroleum arm to Woodside

(Alliance News) - BHP Group PLC and Woodside Petroleum Ltd both confirmed on Monday that they are ...

Alliance News 16 August, 2021 | 6:21AM
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(Alliance News) - BHP Group PLC and Woodside Petroleum Ltd both confirmed on Monday that they are in talks with regarding the possible acquisition by Woodside of BHP's petroleum business.

"BHP confirms that we have initiated a strategic review of our Petroleum business to re-assess its position and long-term strategic fit in the BHP portfolio. A number of options are being evaluated. One option is a potential merger of the Petroleum business with Woodside Petroleum and a distribution of Woodside shares to BHP shareholders," BHP said.

The division is worth about USD14.7 billion, according to Bloomberg.

Perth-based Woodside, for its part, said it "continuously reviews the composition of its asset portfolio and opportunities to create and deliver value for shareholders".

"Woodside is engaged in discussions with BHP regarding a potential merger involving BHP's entire petroleum business through a distribution of Woodside shares to BHP shareholders," Woodside said.

The potential sale comes as large, listed mining and oil companies seek to reposition their portfolios as the world moves away from fossil fuel dependency.

In early August, BHP approved a USD544 million in capital expenditure to execute the Shenzi North oil project in the US Gulf of Mexico.

BHP is operator and holds a 72% interest in Shenzi North. Spain's Repsol SA holds the remaining 28% working interest and is expected to make a final investment decision later in 2021.

Woodside Petroleum shares were down 4.3% at AUD21.23 in Sydney on Monday, while BHP shares were down 1.2% at AUD52.16.

By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
BHP Group PLC
Woodside Petroleum Ltd 28.57 AUD 0.49

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