Noble Corporation announced that the business combination with The Drilling Company of 1972 (Maersk Drilling) has been successfully completed.
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The transaction concluded through the completion of Noble's recommended voluntary public share exchange offer to the shareholders of Maersk Drilling.
The companies are now operating as a single organization as of October 3, 2022.
Noble's President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Eifler, commented "Today marks an exciting new chapter as we bring together these two exceptional companies. The fundamental industrial logic of the combination is clear and has only grown stronger over the past year, driven by steady improvements in the offshore drilling market and a deeper appreciation of the immense talent across this newly combined team.
"I'd personally like to thank the employees of both companies for their sustained focus on safety, integrity, and service as we have worked through this demanding transaction process. I look forward to supporting this team through a rapid integration as we aim to position Noble as a new and dynamic leader in offshore drilling."
Noble has received preliminary commitments from a group of banks to enter into a $350 million, 3-year term loan to replace the existing Maersk Drilling syndicated facilities.
Additionally, Noble has received a preliminary commitment for a $150 million, 3-year term loan to replace the existing Maersk Drilling loan with Danish Ship Finance. Each loan has an indicative initial interest rate of Term SOFR plus 3.50% with margin increases beginning in year two.
The loans remain subject to final documentation and customary closing conditions, which Noble anticipates will be completed during the fourth quarter.
Noble expects to close the previously announced sale of five jackup rigs (Noble Hans Deul, Noble Sam Hartley, Noble Sam Turner, Noble Houston Colbert, and Noble Lloyd Noble, together the Remedy Rigs) to Shelf Drilling Ltd. on October 5th for cash proceeds of $375 million. ■