Earthstone Energy and Bold Energy III LLC, a portfolio company of EnCap Investments L.P., have entered into a definitive contribution agreement under which Earthstone will acquire all of the outstanding membership interests of Bold, inclusive of producing assets and undeveloped acreage.

The acquisition includes approximately 20,900 net surface acres in the core of the Midland basin. The deal includes about 16,000 net acres in Reagan County; 3,260 net acres in Upton County; 1,310 net acres in Midland County; and the remainder in Glasscock, Howard and Martin counties.

The combined company will hold approximately 26,800 net surface acres in the Midland basin, 18,600 net acres in the Eagle Ford, and 5,900 net acres in the Bakken and other areas. The company will produce about 7,400 boed (63% oil), consisting of 46% from the Midland basin, 38% from the Eagle Ford, and 16% from the Bakken and other areas.

“The transaction represents a transformational shift for Earthstone to a high-growth, Midland basin-focused operating company,” Earthstone said in a statement announcing the deal.

The existing Earthstone management team, including President and CEO Frank A. Lodzinski, will lead the combined company, which will maintain its headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas, and maintain an office in Midland, Texas.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.

Source: www.worldoil.com