OREANDA-NEWS. January 09, 2013. Encana Corporation (TSX: ECA) (NYSE: ECA) (Encana) has agreed to sell its 30 percent interest in the proposed Kitimat liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal project to Chevron Canada Limited (Chevron), subject to regulatory approvals and post-closing adjustments, reported the press-centre of Encana.

Included in the sale are Encana's 30 percent interest in the associated Pacific Trail Pipelines as well as approximately 32,500 acres of undeveloped land in the Horn River Basin of northeastern British Columbia and the assumption of Encana's take-or-pay processing commitments for the first phase of the Cabin Gas Plant.

"This investment by Chevron, a multinational LNG player, represents a key step in the development of LNG export from Western Canada," says Randy Eresman, Encana's President & CEO. "Our main goal since we first acquired an interest in Kitimat LNG almost two years ago was to help ensure the progression of this project towards its development. While we are no longer a direct participant in this project, we continue to support LNG export as vital to diversifying markets for North American natural gas."

In March 2011, Encana joined the Kitimat LNG project with partners Apache Canada Ltd. and EOG Resources Canada Inc., the latter of which also recently announced that it has agreed to sell its 30 percent interest in the project.

The sale of Encana's interest in the proposed Kitimat LNG export facility is consistent with the company choosing to focus on its core business. In addition, this transaction reduces Encana's future capital commitments. The proceeds from this transaction will help to strengthen the balance sheet and provide further financial flexibility to fund capital programs and develop key and emerging resource plays.

Further details with respect to the terms of the sale are not being disclosed by the parties. RBC Capital Markets provided financial advice to Encana, EOG and Apache in regards to the Horn River acreage aspect of this transaction.

Encana Corporation
Encana is a leading North American energy producer that is focused on growing its strong portfolio of diverse resource plays producing natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids. By partnering with employees, community organizations and other businesses, Encana contributes to the strength and sustainability of the communities where it operates. Encana common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ECA.