South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI) announces that one of its
subsidiaries has entered into agreements with Endeavour International
Corporation (NYSE: END, LSE: ENDV) to sell certain Marcellus Shale
assets for total cash proceeds of approximately $9 million.
The transaction involves the company’s working interests and its
interests in the gathering system held through its 30% ownership in
Potato Creek, LLC. Since 2008, Potato Creek has leased the deep mineral
rights on the 21,000 acres to SM Energy. Currently, three producing
wells are located on this acreage and are included in the sale. SJI will
retain its interest in the minerals and will continue to earn royalties
on all gas production under the existing lease agreement. The closing is
expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Edward J. Graham, chairman, president and CEO of SJI noted, "We are
pleased to announce this agreement to monetize the non-royalty portion
of our Potato Creek Marcellus assets. We remain very bullish on the
Marcellus Shale as a source of abundant, low-cost natural gas that will
serve as a foundation for this country’s future energy needs. This
transaction will reposition our investment to focus on acquiring passive
royalty interests throughout the Marcellus.” Graham continued, "SJI’s
ongoing program to acquire royalty rights on natural gas production is a
strategic fit with our position as one of the largest natural gas
marketers in the Marcellus.”
In addition to its Potato Creek royalty assets, SJI has acquired royalty
interests in approximately 2,000 additional acres throughout the
Marcellus.
Forward-Looking Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements
other than statements of historical fact included in this press release
should be considered forward-looking statements made in good faith by
the Company and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from
liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. When used in this press release words such as "anticipate”,
"believe”, "expect”, "estimate”, "forecast”, "goal”, "intend”,
"objective”, "plan”, "project”, "seek”, "strategy” and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or
implied in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but
are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions on an
international, national, state and local level; weather conditions in
our marketing areas; changes in commodity costs; the timing of new
projects coming online; changes in the availability of natural gas;
"non-routine” or "extraordinary” disruptions in our distribution system;
regulatory, legislative and court decisions; competition; the
availability and cost of capital; costs and effects of legal proceedings
and environmental liabilities; the failure of customers, suppliers or
business partners to fulfill their contractual obligations; and changes
in business strategies. SJI assumes no duty to update these statements
should actual events differ from expectations.
About South Jersey Industries
South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI) is an energy services holding
company for utility and non-regulated businesses. A member of the KLD
Global Climate 100 Index, SJI offers solutions to global warming through
renewable energy, clean technology and efficiency. South Jersey Gas, one
of the fastest growing natural gas utilities in the nation, strongly
advocates the efficient use of energy while safely and reliably
delivering natural gas in southern New Jersey. South Jersey Energy
Solutions, the parent of SJI’s non-regulated businesses, provides
innovative, environmentally friendly energy solutions that help
customers control energy costs. South Jersey Energy acquires and markets
natural gas and electricity for retail customers and offers
energy-related services. Marina Energy develops and operates energy
projects including thermal facilities serving hot and chilled water for
casinos, cogeneration facilities and landfill gas-to-electricity
facilities. South Jersey Resources Group provides wholesale commodity
marketing and risk management services. South Jersey Energy Service Plus
installs, maintains and services heating, air conditioning and water
heating systems, services appliances, installs solar systems and
performs energy audits. For more information about SJI and its
subsidiaries, visit http://www.sjindustries.com.
