Midstates Petroleum proposes all-stock combination with SandRidge Energy

Midstates Petroleum Company (MPO) announced that it has proposed to combine with SandRidge Energy (SD) in an all-stock merger that would create the leading exploration and production company in the Mississippian Lime play.

Earlier today, Midstates sent a letter to the Board of Directors of SandRidge detailing the merger proposal and its strong desire to negotiate a friendly transaction.

Given the highly complementary nature of the businesses, significant shareholder overlap, and the substantial operational synergies, Midstates believes that the proposed combination is attractive strategically and financially for the shareholders of both companies.

Under the terms of the proposal, SandRidge shareholders would own approximately 60% of the combined company and Midstates shareholders would own 40%.

David J. Sambrooks, Midstates President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are ready to move forward immediately to negotiate a merger agreement to form a stronger, more formidable company.

The combined company will have zero net debt, strong liquidity, and forecasted free cash flow generation of up to $480 million over the next five years.”

Sambrooks continued, “Combining these two businesses in an at-market merger would bring undeniable benefits to shareholders of both companies.

The strategic fit and geographic overlap of both companies’ assets in the Miss Lime and NW STACK builds critical mass, creates significant synergies, and generates superior, risk-adjusted returns.”

Midstates is making this proposal public to inform both Midstates and SandRidge shareholders of the compelling value creation potential of the combination and to encourage SandRidge’s board to move towards a negotiated transaction.

MPO closed at $15.45. SD closed at $16.50.

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