A subsidiary of Weatherford International plc has penned an agreement with ADES International Holding Ltd. to sell Weatherford’s land drilling rig operations in Algeria, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia with two other rigs in Iraq, for a sum of $287.5 million. The transaction includes 31 land drilling rigs and related drilling contracts, as well as approximately 2,300 employees and contract personnel.
“We are pleased to have signed an agreement with ADES, a company that is known for providing high quality and efficient services with an extensive track record of serving leading regional and global oil and gas customers,” said Mark A. McCollum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Weatherford. “ADES is acquiring an efficient fleet of land drilling rigs and a dedicated workforce with more than 60 years of experience in delivering drilling efficiency, operational excellence, and first-class safety. It was very important to us to find a buyer who will continue to provide the same level of service quality, safety and dedication to customers in this region.”
Dr. Mohamed Farouk, Chief Executive Officer of ADES International Holding, said: “We are truly delighted to have signed this agreement with Weatherford, where its reputation as one of the world’s largest oilfield service companies and its deep-rooted knowledge and experienced professionals in over 90 countries guarantees that this substantial asset and personnel addition will be a net positive for ADES. This landmark transaction significantly expands ADES’ total fleet and more than doubles its operational fleet, in line with our strategy of executing smart acquisitions, alongside building our backlog and participation in tenders. Similar to our prior acquisitions, ADES is committed to the swift value extraction of its acquired assets utilizing the Company’s focused business model.”
