Anadarko Announces Settlement of Tronox Adversary Proceeding

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - Apr 3, 2014) - Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: APC) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the plaintiffs (the "Litigation Trust") in the Tronox Adversary Proceeding to resolve all claims against Kerr-McGee Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively "Kerr-McGee"), which stemmed from alleged actions by Kerr-McGee prior to its acquisition by Anadarko in 2006. Kerr-McGee is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Anadarko.

"This settlement agreement with the Litigation Trust and the U.S. Government eliminates the uncertainty this dispute has created, and the proceeds will fund the remediation and cleanup of the legacy environmental liabilities and tort claims," said Anadarko Chairman, President and CEO Al Walker. "Investor focus can now return to the tremendous value embedded in Anadarko's asset base, allowing our peer-leading operational and exploration results to again become the basis for valuation. We are grateful to our stakeholders who have maintained their confidence and trust in our people and our assets." 

In exchange for a complete release of all claims asserted against Kerr-McGee, Anadarko has agreed to pay a total of $5.15 billion to the plaintiffs, which represents a principal sum of approximately $3.98 billion and 6-percent interest thereon from the filing of the complaint in May 2009. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Litigation Trust and Kerr-McGee have agreed to mutually release claims against each other, and the U.S. Government and Kerr-McGee have provided mutual covenants not to sue. The U.S. Government also will provide contribution protection from third-party claims seeking reimbursement from Kerr-McGee at more than 4,000 sites covered by the covenants.

The settlement agreement is subject to recommendation by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and approval of the U.S. District Court, both in the Southern District of New York, and the issuance of an injunction barring similar claims from being asserted by third parties.

"As we highlighted during our recent investor conference, Anadarko's employees have continued to deliver remarkable results that have not been fully recognized by the equity markets due to the potential implications of this case. Together with our efficient allocation of capital and active portfolio management, the company's industry-leading exploration success and strong, transparent, and sustainable growth metrics uniquely position Anadarko amongst its peers. We look forward to having our exceptional results become the foundation for even greater operating and share-price performance through the balance of this decade and beyond," added Walker.