KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 14): Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd (KL:HIBISCS) has completed its acquisition of TotalEnergies EP (Brunei) BV, marking its venture into Brunei’s gas sector.
The acquisition is for TotalEnergies Brunei’s 37.5% operated interest in the Block B Maharajalela Jamalulalam (MLJ) field, a high-quality gas asset located offshore Brunei. With this acquisition, Hibiscus Petroleum now holds a 37.5% stake and assumes the role of operator for the gas field.
The other joint venture partners are Shell Deepwater Borneo BV, with a 35% stake, and Brunei Energy Exploration Sdn Bhd, which holds 27.5%.
The concession for Block B MLJ is valid until November 2029, with the potential for an extension subject to the agreement of all joint venture partners.
This was after Hibiscus Petroleum's unit Simpor Hibiscus Sdn Bhd had in June 2024 entered into a conditional share purchase agreement with TotalEnergies Holdings International BV to acquire a 100% interest in TotalEnergies Brunei for US$259.4 million (RM1.11 billion) in cash.
Post-acquisition, Hibiscus Petroleum managing director Dr Kenneth Gerard Pereira said this marks the expansion of the group’s geographic footprint into Brunei and solidifies its position as an independent exploration and production player in the Asean region.
“We believe that this asset will translate into higher and positive returns for our shareholders,” he said.
“The biggest asset is the highly qualified team in Brunei whom we warmly welcome to the Hibiscus Group. Their technical expertise, in-depth knowledge and wealth of experience are essential to safely and efficiently delivering value for all stakeholders,” he added.
Hibiscus Petroleum’s share price closed down three sen or 1.3% to RM2.24, bringing the group a market capitalisation of RM1.8 billion.