Ensco plc has announced that Ensco shareholders voted to approve the allotment and issuance of Ensco Class A ordinary shares to shareholders of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. in connection with the all-stock acquisition of Atwood at the Company’s general meeting of shareholders on 5 October 2017. The final results of the general meeting of shareholders held today indicate that 65% of the shares cast at the meeting voted in favor of this proposal.

Carl Trowell, Ensco’s President and Chief Executive Officer, says, “We are extremely pleased that Ensco shareholders recognised the strategic and financial merits of our combination with Atwood. This transaction is a significant milestone for Ensco as we continue to execute our strategic plan to emerge from the market downturn as the clear leader in the offshore drilling sector. By acquiring Atwood at a pivotal time in the market cycle, we are purchasing high-quality assets at compelling prices as values for the highest-specification assets are at a critical inflection point. Additionally, these high-specification assets will further our ability to meet increasing customer demand and strengthen our competitive position, which coupled with significant expected synergies, will generate meaningful, long-term value for all shareholders.”

Separately, Atwood announced that its shareholders voted to adopt the merger agreement with Ensco at a special meeting of Atwood shareholders.

Ensco expects that this transaction will be completed promptly, subject to customary closing conditions.

Tags: Atwood Oceanics Inc., Ensco plc