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CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire) - Talisman Energy Inc. (TSX:TLM) (NYSE:TLM) today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire additional properties in the Eagle Ford shale play in south Texas. Talisman and Statoil have agreed on a joint-venture to acquire 97,000 net acres of high-quality, liquids rich Eagle Ford shale properties from Enduring Resources for a total consideration of US$1.325 billion.
"This transaction is an excellent fit with Talisman's strategy," said John A. Manzoni, President and CEO. "Talisman now has material positions in three world-class shale plays in North America. This acquisition is in the liquids rich window of the Eagle Ford and complements our existing acreage. We are very pleased to be working with Statoil, a respected global company with whom we have an excellent working relationship."

The Transaction
Talisman and Statoil have agreed to create a 50/50 joint-venture across the Eagle Ford shale play, with Talisman as the initial operator. The net cost to Talisman of this new acreage will be approximately US$485 million, after Statoil purchases a 50% working interest in Talisman's existing 37,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford. Upon completion of these transactions, Talisman will hold approximately 70,000 net acres, predominantly in the liquids rich heart of the play.

Talisman and Statoil have agreed that Statoil will operate approximately 50% of the joint assets within three years. The transaction is expected to close by year end.

The Assets
The acquisition includes 97,000 net acres of land (50/50 joint-venture between Talisman and Statoil) in the liquids rich window of the Eagle Ford shale. The purchase price equates to about US$10,900 per acre, taking into consideration Enduring's existing production of 5,500 boe/d, as well as gas processing infrastructure that comes with the acquisition. In addition, the companies have an option to jointly acquire up to an additional 22,000 net acres.

Approximately 55,000 net acres are held by existing production. There are currently three horizontal rigs operating on the leases, which is more than sufficient to hold this land. The land position consists of large contiguous blocks across the Eagle Ford, with a thick, high-porosity shale section, and high expected ultimate recovery factors (EURs). EURs are expected to average at least 660,000 boe per well.

There is currently 5,500 boe/d of production, including six Eagle Ford wells which are on-stream. An additional eight wells have been drilled; three wells are drilling, with nine additional wells planned by year-end. Initial production rates on the two most recent wells have averaged 3,700 boe/d (including 1,000 bbl/d of liquids) and 2,300 boe/d (including 425 bbl/d of liquids). There are numerous egress options available to support future production growth.

Strategic Context
The company believes there is an estimated 800 million boe of net contingent resource on the acquired properties, of which approximately 50% is expected to be condensate or natural gas liquids. Talisman estimates there are over 1,000 net drilling locations on the newly acquired acreage. The company believes that similar to its Marcellus and Montney shale plays, its Eagle Ford play will have a full-cycle break even of less than US$4 per mcf.

Shale gas and liquids development is an important part of Talisman's strategy for long-term, profitable growth. The company has established large, high-quality land positions in the Marcellus shale (Pennsylvania), Montney shale (British Columbia) and Utica shale (Quebec).

The addition of this new acreage gives Talisman a material core position in the liquids rich window of the Eagle Ford shale play. The company believes its shale plays have the critical mass needed to support Talisman's objective of becoming a leading, returns focused shale producer in North America.

The company is committed to operating in a safe, environmentally responsible manner and to maintaining good working relationships with local communities near our areas of operations.

Barclays Capital acted as an advisor to Talisman on this transaction.

Talisman Energy Inc. is a global, diversified, upstream oil and gas company, headquartered in Canada. Talisman's three main operating areas are North America, the North Sea and Southeast Asia. The company also has a portfolio of international exploration opportunities. Talisman is committed to conducting business safely, in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, and is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability (North America) Index. Talisman is listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TLM. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Talisman Energy Inc. - Media and General Inquiries:
David Mann
Vice President, Corporate & Investor Communications
403-237-1196
403-237-1210 (FAX)

or

Talisman Energy Inc. - Shareholder and Investor Inquiries:
Christopher J. LeGallais
Vice President, Investor Relations
403-237-1957
403-237-1210 (FAX)