ADNOC Drilling and Alpha Dhabi’s Joint Venture completes its first strategic investment. The JV has been incorporated in Abu Dhabi Global Market to pursue global investments in energy technology and bolster tech-enabled energy services. Alpha Dhabi contributes a 25% holding in Gordon Technologies to the JV, a US-based market-leading provider of ‘measurement while drilling’ technology. The strategic collaboration between two leading Abu Dhabi entities with complementary capabilities will accelerate domestic economic development and diversification.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – January 9, 2024: ADNOC Drilling Company PJSC (“ADNOC Drilling” or the “Company”) (ADX symbol: ADNOCDRILL / ISIN: AEA007301012) and Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC (‘’Alpha Dhabi’’) (ADX: ALPHADHABI) announced today the incorporation of its strategic investment JV at Abu Dhabi Global Market. The JV will pursue global investments in energy technology and bolster tech-enabled energy services.
As the inaugural investment, Alpha Dhabi has contributed its 25% equity stake in Gordon Technologies (“Gordon”), a leading provider of measurement while drilling (“MWD”) technology to the oil and gas industry in the USA. The equity stake has been valued at circa $180 million. The establishment of this JV, and the contribution of Gordon’s 25% share capital, is expected to bring value accretive returns to both shareholders and will be synergistic with ADNOC Drilling’s business. It will also support ADNOC Drilling’s long-term dividend growth profile.
Founded in 2014, Gordon is one of the leading MWD technology providers in the USA. With robust positions in its key operating basins and expected revenue of more than $230 million in FY2023, Gordon supports efficient drilling operations for its customers through leading performance metrics and cost efficiencies. As one of the industry’s few fully integrated MWD players, the company occupies a unique position, particularly in high-temperature applications, with reliability measures significantly outperforming the industry average. Gordon has no leverage, and its acquisition is economically accretive to the JV’s shareholders from a profitability, valuation multiple, cash flow generation, and dividend potential standpoint, along with a FY2023 expected free cash flow yield of more than 10%.
Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Seiari, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Drilling, said: “Through the incorporation of our Joint Venture, we are set to accelerate investment in tech-enabled energy solutions. Access to these technologies will support us in our operations and accelerate well delivery optimization in the development of unconventional resources as we strive to enable gas self-sufficiency for the nation.”
Eng. Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Alpha Dhabi, added: “Since Alpha Dhabi’s minority stake acquisition of Gordon Technologies in 2022, we have supported its growth strategy in the US market and put the foundations in place for expansion to the Middle East region. Through this joint venture, and leveraging both Alpha Dhabi and ADNOC Drilling’s complimentary capabilities, we look forward to driving further value creation for the benefit of our mutual stakeholders.”
As disclosed on November 10, 2023, ADNOC Drilling holds a majority 51% stake in the JV, with the remaining 49% held by Alpha Dhabi, with equal Board representation for both parties. The JV’s financial results will be accounted for by ADNOC Drilling through the equity method starting from the Company’s 1Q 2024 financial results.
The JV intends to acquire and invest in companies offering tech-enabled oilfield services solutions, subject to the relevant regulatory approvals, and foster a scalable ecosystem that will enhance market value and optimize operational efficiencies. It will be a major driver of investment decisions with the ability to support the UAE’s wider energy transition ambitions, net-zero agenda, and ongoing economic diversification efforts.
