Total has agreed to sell all of its interests in the Martin Linge field (51%) and Garantiana discovery (40%) on the Norwegian Continental Shelf to Statoil. The consideration for the transaction is $1.45 billion with an effective date of January 1st, 2017.Â  The transaction remains subject to final due diligence and approval from the relevant authorities. Â  'The forthcoming acquisition of the Maersk Oil portfolio, which will make Total the second largest operator in the North Sea, leads us to review our portfolio in this area so as to focus on the assets in which Total will be able to generate synergies and reduce their breakeven points. In this context, given that Martin Linge is Total's only operated asset in Norway, there is limited scope to optimize operations, whereas with Statoilâs leading operating position on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, Statoil is in a better position to optimize this asset for the benefit of all stakeholders. We are therefore satisfied with the agreement with Statoil, a long time trusted partner, which in addition, offers us a satisfactory value for this asset', commented Arnaud Breuillac, President, Exploration & Production at Total. 'Norway remains a strategic country for Total as one of the largest contributors to the Group's production and we of course intend to continue bringing our expertise to Norway by focusing in particular on major non-operated assets such as Ekofisk, Snohvit and Johan Sverdrup.' Â  The transaction involves the transfer of relevant employees from Total to Statoil in compliance with the applicable legislation.Martin Linge is an oil and gas field under development west of the Oseberg field in the North Sea (Source: Statoil) Click here for Statoil announcement: Statoil takes over operatorships and equity in the Martin Linge field and Garantiana discovery Original article link Source: Total 
Norway, not found