Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CG) and global private equity and investment advisory firm CVC Capital Partners, today announced that they have agreed to fund Neptune Oil & Gas Ltd, a new oil & gas investment vehicle that will be headquartered in London. Neptune will focus on investing in large oil & gas portfolios that may come available as a result of current energy market dynamics.
Neptune will be led by Sam Laidlaw, an industry veteran, who has more than thirty year' experience in the energy sector. Mr. Laidlaw will work alongside Carlyle and CVC to identify large-scale investment opportunities arising in the North Sea, North Africa and South East Asia.
Funding for the investment platform will come from Carlyle International Energy Partners (CIEP), a fund that focuses on oil and gas exploration & production, midstream, and refining and marketing in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia, and from funds managed by CVC Capital Partners. CIEP’s investment is led by Managing Director Marcel van Poecke, a seasoned investor in the energy sector, and Managing Director Bob Maguire, a respected energy industry veteran. CVC's investment is led by Donald Mackenzie, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of CVC, and Rob Lucas, Managing Partner and Head of CVC's UK team.
Sam Laidlaw, Executive Chairman of Neptune said: "I am pleased to be partnering with investors of the experience and calibre of Carlyle and CVC. They share my enthusiasm to invest in building a new oil and gas company and to create significant value for our stakeholders at this pivotal time for the industry, in particular across the North Sea, North Africa and South East Asia."
Marcel van Poecke, Managing Director, and Head of CIEP, said: "Sam Laidlaw, Carlyle and CVC are a formidable partnership. CIEP will provide capability and support to Neptune through its global energy platform as we invest in and grow large-scale energy companies seeking capital and global management expertise."
Rob Lucas, Managing Partner, CVC said: "We have known Sam Laidlaw for many years and believe the timing is now favourable to pursue this venture in partnership with Sam and Carlyle. CVC bring over thirty years of investment experience, including a successful track record of delivering complex corporate carve-outs, and the support of an extensive international office network."