Bonanza Creek, Extraction announce $2.6 billion merger to become Civitas Resources
Bonanza Creek Energy and Extraction Oil & Gas will combine in an all-stock merger of equals, a deal worth about $2.6 billion, the companies announced. The combined company will be called Civitas Resources, Inc. and will be the largest pure-play energy producer in Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, the companies said.
“Successful E&P operators will be those who place a priority on disciplined capital deployment, deliver operational and cost excellence, maintain a relentless focus on shareholder value, and have governance standards that are aligned with the times,” said Eric Greager, President and CEO of Bonanza Creek. “Bonanza Creek and Extraction each bring a demonstrated commitment to these principles, as well as shared organizational and community values. Together, as Civitas, we will embody an E&P business model ideally suited to deliver for all of our stakeholders.”
The combined company will operate across approximately 425,000 net acres, with a production base of 117 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (117 Mboe/d, on a pro forma 1Q21 production basis).
“We believe the combination of Bonanza Creek and Extraction will create one of the most durable, profitable, and progressive producers in the DJ Basin, with premium assets at the front end of the cost curve,” said Tom Tyree, CEO of Extraction. “Collectively, we will create significant value for all stakeholders as we will become Colorado’s first net-zero oil and gas producer through the continuing reduction in operational emissions coupled with a multi-year investment in certified emissions offsets.”
Civitas expects to achieve annual expense and capital savings of approximately $25 million.
Bonanza Creek’s recently announced annual dividend of $1.40 per share is expected to be increased by Civitas to $1.60 per share effective at closing, with such increase representing a distribution of approximately half of the transaction synergies to Civitas’ shareholder base.
Greager will serve as President and CEO of Civitas. Other senior leadership positions will be filled by current executives of Bonanza Creek and Extraction.
Extraction Chairman of the Board, Ben Dell, will serve as Chairman of Civitas, and each of Bonanza Creek and Extraction will nominate four directors to Civitas’ eight-member board.
Transaction Details
Extraction shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 1.1711 shares of Bonanza Creek common shares for each share of Extraction common stock owned on the closing date. Based on the exchange ratio and the closing price of Bonanza Creek’s common stock on May 7, 2021, Civitas would have an aggregate enterprise value of approximately $2.6 billion. Upon completion of the transaction, Bonanza Creek and Extraction shareholders will each own about 50% of Civitas, both on a fully diluted basis.
The transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Funds managed by Kimmeridge Energy own approximately 38% percent of the outstanding shares of Extraction and have entered into a support agreement to vote in favor of the transaction. The closing of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals by Bonanza Creek and Extraction shareholders.
