Malaysian rig owner UMW Drilling has bought two jack-up drilling rigs at a price of $434m from China-based Tianjin Haiheng Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Service.
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The rigs, each costing USD 217m, are slated for completion in September 2014 and December 2014, respectively.
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"The agreement for the purchase of the two jack-up drilling rigs is in line with UMW's plan to enhance the asset fleet for expansion in Malaysia and Asia-Pacific region as well as to improve financial performance over the coming years.¡± UMW Oil & Gas, parent firm of UMW Drilling, said in a regulatory filing.
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The purchase prices, to be satisfied in cash, will be funded partially from the proceeds of UMW's recently completed initial public offering and the balance by borrowings.
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Last week, UMW went to Singapore's Keppel FELS to order a single jack-up rig at a price of $218m for delivery in the third quarter of 2015.
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UMW, which was listed in Kuala Lumpur in November 2013, has set aside MYR1bn ($300m) for capital expenditure this year to strengthen its drilling rig business. Â