Noble Corporation plc and Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc have announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Noble will acquire Diamond in a stock plus cash transaction. As part of the transaction, Diamond shareholders will receive 0.2316 shares of Noble, plus cash consideration of US$5.65 per share for each share of Diamond stock, representing an 11.4% premium to closing stock prices on 07 June 2024. Upon closing, Diamond shareholders will own approximately 14.5% of Noble's outstanding shares.
Noble's President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Eifler, said, "This acquisition enables Noble to continue our journey of delivering superior innovation and value to a broad range of the leading offshore operators across the world. Our position will be strengthened with the addition of four 7th generation drillships and one of the most high-spec harsh environment semisubmersible rigs in the world. Additionally, Diamond's five conventional deepwater and midwater rigs have averaged above 85% utilisation over the last three years and currently have strong forward contract coverage. Supported by Diamond's US$2.1 billion of backlog and US$100 million of anticipated cost synergies, we expect the transaction to be immediately accretive to our free cash flow per share and contribute to accelerated growth in our return of capital to shareholders."
Diamond's President and Chief Executive Officer, Bernie Wolford, said, "This combination is an ideal outcome that provides Diamond shareholders both immediate and long-term upside potential as part of a more fully scaled platform that can deliver customer and shareholder value on a through-cycle basis, more visibly and accessibly, while gaining access to Noble's robust dividend programme. Noble's operational strength, service posture and proven integration capabilities make this a natural match for Diamond. I would like to thank the entire Diamond team for delivering terrific results for our customers and shareholders. Your daily commitment to our uncompromising standards will be a perfect fit within Noble, and we look forward to continued success for our teams together on this strengthened, world class platform."
Neal P. Goldman, Chairman of Diamond, added, "I am very proud of what Diamond's employees, executives and board have accomplished. We have created tremendous value for our shareholders and customers that has culminated in a strategic merger that will continue to add value for all."
Additionally, Noble has announced that its Board of Directors has approved a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend to US$0.50 per share, starting with the dividend which is to be paid in the third quarter of 2024.
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