On 15 July 2020, industry sources reported that the buyout firm Carlyle and a Cairn Energy-backed group likely to include Cheiron are among the bidders for Shell's upstream onshore assets in the Western Desert.  Bids for these assets are now expected to be lower than the initially estimates of up to USD 1 billion due to the current lower oil and gas prices and volatile outlook.  Shell announced to market its onshore upstream assets in the Western Desert in October 2020 in order to concentrate on growing its Egyptian offshore exploration and integrated gas business. The company has appointed Citigroup to manage the sale.  In June 2020, Shell was operating 28 blocks in the Western Desert (21 development/production and 7 exploration licences) including 50 fields/discoveries. Its working interest in the area potentially includes production of around 100,000 boe/d.
Egypt (Gulf of Suez B.), on 15 July 2020, industry sources reported that the buyout firm Carlyle and a Cairn Energy-backed group likely to include Cheiron are among the bidders for Shell's upstream onshore assets in the Western Desert.