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Tellurian Acquisition

Tellurian Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

February 13, 2025

Woodside Energy's acquisition of Tellurian Inc. for $1.2 billion marks a significant expansion in the U.S. LNG market. This strategic move, including the renaming of Driftwood LNG to Woodside Louisiana LNG, underscores Woodside's commitment to enhancing its global footprint and operational capabilities in the LNG sector. The acquisition is poised to impact the industry by bolstering U.S. LNG production and fostering potential strategic partnerships.

What Is Tellurian?

Tellurian

Tellurian Inc. is a company focused on the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. While specific details about its founding year, core products, and unique selling points are not accessible without enabling JavaScript on their website, Tellurian is known for its strategic initiatives in the LNG sector. The company aims to enhance global energy security by providing reliable and efficient LNG solutions, positioning itself as a key player in the energy market.

Who Acquired Tellurian?

Woodside Energy is a global energy company that plays a significant role in the industry by providing reliable and affordable energy. Its key products include oil and natural gas, with a strong focus on LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). Additionally, Woodside is investing in new energy sources such as hydrogen and solar, along with lower-carbon services. With over 70 years of experience, Woodside is a leading player in the LNG industry in Australia and maintains a substantial global presence.

When Was Tellurian Acquired?

Woodside Energy completed the acquisition of Tellurian Inc. on October 9, 2024. This timing is notable as it aligns with a period of strategic growth in the LNG sector, with Woodside aiming for a final investment decision on the Driftwood LNG project by early 2025. The acquisition also reflects broader industry trends of consolidation and expansion in the U.S. LNG market, positioning Woodside to capitalize on increasing global demand for liquefied natural gas.

Why Was Tellurian Acquired?

Market Expansion: The acquisition of Tellurian Inc. significantly expands Woodside's presence in the U.S. LNG market. By acquiring the Driftwood LNG project, now renamed Woodside Louisiana LNG, Woodside can better serve global customers and capture marketing optimization opportunities across both the Atlantic and Pacific Basins. This strategic move strengthens the U.S. position as the world's largest producer of LNG.

Technology Integration: Woodside benefits from Tellurian's advanced stage of pre-FID (Final Investment Decision) development and strong relationships with key industry players like Bechtel, Baker Hughes, and Chart. The project is fully permitted, with front-end engineering design complete and site civil works well advanced, allowing Woodside to integrate its expertise in project execution, operations, and marketing to unlock further development and generate value.

Competitive Advantage: The acquisition enhances Woodside's competitive position by increasing its LNG production capacity and market share. The Driftwood LNG project, with a total permitted capacity of 27.6 million tonnes per annum, positions Woodside to capitalize on the growing demand for LNG. Additionally, Woodside's proven track record and financial resources provide a competitive edge in managing offtake risk and advancing the project.

Acquisition Terms

  • Acquisition Price: Approximately $900 million in cash, with an implied enterprise value of around $1.2 billion.
  • Payment Method: All-cash transaction.
  • Key Conditions or Agreements:
    • The acquisition includes all issued and outstanding Tellurian common stock.
    • The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from Tellurian shareholders and regulatory approvals.
    • The acquisition price represents a 75% premium to Tellurian’s closing price on July 19, 2024, and a 48% premium to Tellurian’s 30-day volume-weighted average price.
    • The transaction was unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors.
    • Woodside is targeting final investment decision (FID) readiness by the first quarter of 2025.
    • The project is fully permitted, with front-end engineering design complete and site civil works well advanced.
    • Woodside has received interest from multiple parties looking to enter the opportunity as strategic partners.

Impact on Tellurian

The acquisition of Tellurian by Woodside Energy has led to notable changes in operations and management. Woodside has taken over all issued and outstanding Tellurian common stock, renaming the Driftwood LNG project to Woodside Louisiana LNG. This rebranding signifies a strategic shift and integration of Tellurian's operations under Woodside's management. The Tellurian team, along with Bechtel, continues to advance the project, with a targeted final investment decision by early 2025. This transition reflects Woodside's commitment to leveraging its expertise in project execution and operations to enhance the development of the LNG project.

In terms of product offerings and services, the acquisition significantly bolsters Woodside's position in the U.S. LNG market. The Woodside Louisiana LNG project, with a scalable capacity of 27.6 million tonnes per annum, is expected to strengthen the U.S.'s role as a leading LNG producer. While specific employee and customer reactions are not detailed, the strategic move is anticipated to positively influence customer perceptions due to Woodside's proven track record and operational capabilities. Employees may face uncertainties typical of such transitions, but the involvement of key personnel in advancing the project suggests a focus on continuity and stability.

For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing these processes compliantly, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.