BP has agreed to sell its interests in its southern gas assets (SGA) in the UK North Sea to Perenco UK Ltd for $400 million in cash.

As it continues the active management of its business portfolios around the world, focusing on core activities and future growth, BP expects to divest assets with a total value of $38 billion between 2010 and the end of 2013. Including the agreement to sell SGA, the company has now announced divestments with an expected value totalling approximately $23 billion.

Perenco has made an initial payment to BP of $100 million in cash and the remaining $300 million will be paid on completion, which is expected before the end of 2012. A further $10 million may be paid in the future contingent on the prevailing gas prices. Completion of the sale is subject to a number of third party and regulatory approvals. It is expected that impacted BP employees working for SGA will transfer with the asset to Perenco.

Tags: BP PLC, Perenco