Ecopetrol announces the completion of the transaction with Repsol to acquire 45% of its participation in Block CPO-09

Rhea-AI Summary

Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) has successfully completed the acquisition of Repsol's remaining 45% stake in the CPO-09 Block for $452 million USD, achieving 100% ownership of this strategic asset in Colombia's Piedemonte Llanero. The transaction was finalized on February 5, 2025, following regulatory approval from the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce and the National Hydrocarbons Agency's formal amendment to the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Contract.

The CPO-09 block, located in Meta department across nine municipalities, strengthens Ecopetrol's position in the Llanos Orientales basin. This acquisition consolidates Ecopetrol's regional presence, where it already operates several key fields including Akacias, Chichimene, Castilla, and others. The deal reinforces the company's commitment to Colombia's energy future and highlights hydrocarbons' role in energy transition projects and national energy sustainability.

Positive

• Acquisition of remaining 45% stake gives Ecopetrol full control (100%) of CPO-09 Block
• Strengthens position in strategic Llanos Orientales basin
• Expands operational control in region with existing infrastructure
• Enhances hydrocarbon production capacity in Colombia

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure of $452 million USD for the acquisition

Insights

M&A and Energy Market Specialist

The 452 million USD acquisition of Repsol's 45% stake in Block CPO-09 marks a pivotal strategic expansion for Ecopetrol, consolidating its control over a key asset in Colombia's energy landscape. This transaction demonstrates exceptional value creation potential through three key aspects:

First, the vertical integration benefits are substantial. By gaining 100% ownership, Ecopetrol eliminates partner-related complexities and can optimize operations across its extensive infrastructure network in the Llanos Orientales basin. This integration with existing assets like Akacias, Chichimene and Castilla fields creates significant operational synergies and cost efficiencies.

Second, the timing is strategically advantageous. As Colombia focuses on energy security and transition, controlling domestic hydrocarbon resources becomes increasingly valuable. The CPO-09 block's strategic location in Meta positions Ecopetrol to better manage the delicate balance between current energy needs and future transition goals.

Third, the financial structure appears sound. Given Ecopetrol's position as Colombia's largest company and its existing operational presence in the region, the 452 million investment should generate strong returns through operational optimization and market control. The regulatory approval without conditions further de-risks the investment.

This consolidation strengthens Ecopetrol's market position at a important time when energy companies must balance traditional hydrocarbon operations with energy transition initiatives. The transaction's completion without competition concerns indicates a well-structured deal that enhances Ecopetrol's strategic flexibility while maintaining market competitiveness.

BOGOTA, Colombia, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) informs that on February 5, 2025, it successfully completed the transaction with Repsol Colombia Oil & Gas Limited ("Repsol")  to acquire the remaining 45% of its participation in the CPO-09 Block, for an amount of 452 million USD, making it the holder of 100% of the participation interest in the block, a strategic asset in the Piedemonte Llanero This transaction is the result of the exercise of the right of first refusal by Ecopetrol, within the framework of the Joint Operation Agreement (JOA).

The closing of this transaction occurred after the fulfillment of the following conditions precedent: i) the determination made by the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce of Colombia, stating that the transaction "(…) does not generate an undue restriction of competition so it does not merit objection or conditioning" (…)", thus ending the administrative pre-evaluation process; and ii) the execution of the corresponding amendment to the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Contract CPO-09 on February 5, 2025, by the National Hydrocarbons Agency, Repsol and Ecopetrol, which formalized the transfer of the 45% of the participation interest that Repsol had in that agreement in favor of Ecopetrol.

The CPO-09 block is located in the department of Meta, Colombia, in the municipalities of Villavicencio, Acacias, Guamal, Castilla la Nueva, San Martín, Lejanias, El Dorado, El Castillo and Granada.

This transaction strengthens Ecopetrol's position in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the Llanos Orientales basin and consolidates its presence in the region, as the operator of the Akacias, Chichimene, Castilla, Apiay, Suria, Libertad - Reforma, Pachaquiaro, Caño Sur fields, among others. Likewise, it reaffirms its commitment to the country's energy future, highlighting the importance of hydrocarbons as a key resource for the development of energy transition projects, ensuring the country's energy sustainability.

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Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. 

This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. 

For more information, please contact: 

Head of Capital Markets
Carolina Tovar Aragón
Email: investors@ecopetrol.com.co 

Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia)
Marcela Ulloa
Email: marcela.ulloa@ecopetrol.com.co 

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SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.

FAQ

How much did Ecopetrol (EC) pay for Repsol's 45% stake in CPO-09 Block?

Ecopetrol paid $452 million USD to acquire Repsol's 45% stake in the CPO-09 Block.

What is Ecopetrol's total ownership percentage in CPO-09 Block after the February 2025 acquisition?

After the acquisition, Ecopetrol owns 100% of the participation interest in the CPO-09 Block.

Where is the CPO-09 Block located?

The CPO-09 Block is located in the department of Meta, Colombia, spanning across nine municipalities including Villavicencio, Acacias, and Guamal.

What regulatory approvals were required for Ecopetrol's CPO-09 Block acquisition?

The acquisition required approval from the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce of Colombia and an amendment to the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Contract by the National Hydrocarbons Agency.

How does the CPO-09 acquisition align with Ecopetrol's strategic goals?

The acquisition strengthens Ecopetrol's position in the Llanos Orientales basin, consolidates its regional presence, and supports its commitment to Colombia's energy future and sustainability.