Rockhopper Exploration reports that pursuant to the authorities granted by shareholders at the Company's AGM on 6 September 2011, the Company is launching an HMRC approved Share Incentive Plan ("SIP") that will be made available to employees of the Company, including the executive directors.

Under the terms of the SIP subscribing employees are capable of being granted, for the 2011/2012 tax year, a free award of up to £3,000 worth of Ordinary Shares in the Company ("Shares") each (the "Free Shares"). In addition, subject to employees purchasing up to £1,500 worth of Shares each (the "Partnership Shares"), an additional conditional award of twice the number of Partnership Shares are being granted (the "Matching Shares").

Tags: Rockhopper Exploration plc