Think Stavros predicted something along these lines a short while ago.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/interoil-s...00290.html
InterOil sells downstream businesses for US$525.6 million
- Enhances focus on higher-returning upstream and LNG business
- Handover and transition of all staff to begin immediately
SINGAPORE and PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea , June 30, 2014 /CNW/ - InterOil Corporation (NYSE: IOC, PoMSOX: IOC) has announced the sale of companies that hold its Papua New Guinea oil refinery and petroleum products distribution businesses to Singapore -based Puma Energy Group Pte for US$525.6 million , which includes adjustments for cash and working capital.
InterOil's downstream businesses include the Napa Napa refinery in Port Moresby that processes about 28,000 barrels a day, 52 service stations, and 30 fuel depots, terminals and aviation sites.
The sale ensures the transition to Puma Energy of all InterOil staff who are employed in the refinery and downstream businesses.
InterOil Chief Operating Officer Jon Ozturgut said the sale followed an unsolicited approach from Puma Energy and a strategic review by InterOil of options for the best allocation of capital.
Focus on upstream and LNG business
"For the past 10 years, the refinery and distribution businesses have contributed to InterOil's business model and Papua New Guinea's development," Mr. Ozturgut said.
"However, our upstream and LNG business has become core to the company's growth and, as a result of the success we have had in discovering and monetizing gas, the time is right to focus on this part of our business.
"The transaction immediately provides additional capital to fund our upstream and LNG business.
"We believe this is in the best interests of Papua New Guinea and our shareholders."
Mr. Ozturgut said Puma Energy ensured that Papua New Guinea would have a world-class downstream business operator.
"We believe Puma Energy is the right company to take over, invest in and grow the downstream and refining businesses for the long-term benefit of Papua New Guinea ," he said.
As a condition of the sale, Puma Energy may use the InterOil downstream brand for up to 12 months.
Puma Energy and InterOil will begin the handover of operations and transition of staff immediately.
Puma Energy
Puma Energy, which distributes petroleum products in more than 40 countries, employs more than 6,700 people, and operates nearly 1,700 service stations, more than 60 terminals and a refinery.
It has regional hubs in Australia , South Africa , South America and Europe .
Its major shareholders include Trafigura Beheer BV, the global Dutch commodity trading company, and Sonangol Holdings LDA, the state-owned Angolan oil and gas company.
BNP Paribas and BSP Capital acted as financial advisors to InterOil. Gadens acted as legal advisor to InterOil. King & Wood Mallesons acted as legal advisor to Puma Energy.
