Rockhopper Exploration (LSE:RKH)
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RNS Number : 2604A

Rockhopper Exploration plc

23 March 2017

23 March 2017

Rockhopper Exploration plc

("Rockhopper" or the "Company")

Commencement of international arbitration against Republic of Italy

Rockhopper Exploration plc (AIM: RKH), the oil and gas company with key interests in the North Falkland Basin and the Greater Mediterranean region, announces that it has commenced international arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Italy in relation to the Ombrina Mare project.

Following the decision in February 2016 by the Ministry of Economic Development not to award the Company a Production Concession covering the Ombrina Mare field, the Company, with its legal advisers, has considered its options with regard to obtaining damages and compensation from the Republic of Italy for breaching the Energy Charter Treaty ("ECT").

By way of background, the ECT entered into legal force in April 1998 and is designed to provide a stable platform for energy sector investments. The Republic of Italy, as a member of the European Union, was a founding signatory to the ECT.

Based on legal and expert opinions, Rockhopper has been advised that it has strong prospects of recovering very significant monetary damages as a result of the Republic of Italy's breaches of the ECT. Damages would be sought on the basis of lost profits.

In addition, the Company has secured non-recourse funding for the arbitration from a funder that specialises in financing commercial litigation and arbitration claims. In the event of success (with an award above a nominal threshold) Rockhopper retains a very material proportion of any award.

Sam Moody, CEO of Rockhopper, commented:

"Whilst we had hoped to avoid arbitration, we are extremely disappointed that it has proved to be necessary in order to protect our investment in the Ombrina Mare project. While it may take some time to produce a result, and there is no certainty of success, Rockhopper is taking all necessary steps to protect its shareholders' interests at no extra cost to the Company."

For further information, please contact:

Rockhopper Exploration plc

Tel: (via Vigo Communications) - 020 7830 9700

Sam Moody - Chief Executive

Fiona MacAulay - Chief Operating Officer

Stewart MacDonald - Chief Financial Officer

Canaccord Genuity Limited (NOMAD and Joint Broker)

Tel: 020 7523 8000

Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor

Vigo Communications

Tel: 020 7830 9700

Patrick d'Ancona

Ben Simons

Further information

This announcement is for information only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of any offer to sell or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, or any solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise. This announcement does not constitute a prospectus or a prospectus equivalent document.

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR").

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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March 23, 2017 03:01 ET (07:01 GMT)