Equal Energy rejects Montclair takeover bid
by The Canadian Press
Says it will consider further offers
Calgary—Equal Energy Ltd. is denying that it has definitively rejected a $142-million takeover offer by Alabama-based Montclair Energy LLC.
The Calgary-based Equal Energy holds a portfolio of oil and gas properties in the Hunton formation in Oklahoma.
Equal says it turned down Montclair’s proposal after it was originally made March 15 because the U.S. company was unwilling to wait until a special committee could consider the offer and possible alternatives.
“Equal has engaged in discussions with a number of potential suitors, including Montclair, to understand the terms and conditions of their expressions of interest and the value proposition they represent,” the oil and gas company said in a statement.
“Montclair’s unsolicited and conditional proposal was rejected as Montclair requested a response prior to the completion of the special committee’s process. Equal would be pleased to consider further proposals from Montclair as part of the special committee’s process.”
The statement was issued after Montclair said Monday that it was still looking to buy the Calgary concern despite rejection of its cash offer.
“While our goal is to reach a negotiated transaction with Equal Energy, we have determined that Equal Energy shareholders should be informed of our interest in an acquisition such that they can consider for themselves whether our proposal should be pursued by the company,” Montclair chief executive Cobb Hazelrig said in a statement.
Montclair said it will now evaluate all of its options, including the possibility of nominating a slate of independent directors to Equal Energy’s board, and more talks with the company’s management.
