One of the world’s largest energy infrastructure deals
Newly-formed entity, Aramco Oil Pipelines Company, to lease usage rights of Aramco’s stabilized crude oil pipeline network over 25-year period
Transaction reflects ongoing progress in Aramco’s portfolio optimization program, which aims to unlock value and maximize shareholder returns
Significant injection of foreign capital reinforces Aramco’s leading position in the international energy arena and Saudi Arabia’s appeal to prominent institutional investors globally
Aramco has signed a deal with a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners (“EIG”), one of the world’s leading energy infrastructure investors, to optimize its assets through a lease-and-lease-back agreement involving its stabilized crude oil pipeline network.
Upon closing, Aramco will receive upfront proceeds of around $12.4 billion, further strengthening its balance sheet through one of the largest energy infrastructure deals globally. The transaction represents a continuation of Aramco’s strategy to unlock the potential of its asset base and maximize value for its shareholders. It also reinforces Aramco’s role as a catalyst for attracting significant foreign investment into the Kingdom.
As part of the transaction, a newly-formed Aramco subsidiary, Aramco Oil Pipelines Company, will lease usage rights in Aramco’s stabilized crude oil pipelines network for a 25-year period. In return, Aramco Oil Pipelines Company will receive a tariff payable by Aramco for the stabilized crude oil that flows through the network, backed by minimum volume commitments. Aramco will hold a 51% majority stake in the new company and the EIG-led consortium will hold a 49% stake. Aramco will continue to retain full ownership and operational control of its stabilized crude oil pipeline network. The transaction will not impose any restrictions on Aramco’s actual crude oil production volumes that are subject to production decisions issued by the Kingdom.
Aramco President & CEO, Amin H. Nasser, said: “This landmark transaction defines the way forward for our portfolio optimization program. We are capitalizing on new opportunities that also align strategically with the Kingdom’s recently-launched Shareek program. Aramco’s strong capital structure will be further enhanced with this transaction, which in turn will help maximize returns for our shareholders. Additionally, our long-term partners in this venture will benefit from investment in one of the world’s most robust energy infrastructures. Moving forward, we will continue to explore opportunities that underpin our strategy of long-term value creation.”