Private equity fund Carlyle Group is preparing to launch the sale of its Gabon-focused oil and gas producer Assala Energy, hoping to raise over $1 billion amid high global energy prices, industry sources said.

Carlyle International Energy Partners, the fund's energy arm, first invested in Assala in 2017 when it acquired Shell Plc’s operations in Gabon for $628 million.

Assala, which acquired in 2019 onshore exploration blocks, has increased its production and reserves in recent years and today produces around 50,000 bbl/d in the West African country.

The sale process, which is run by investment bank Citi, is expected to be launched in the coming weeks and could raise over $1 billion, according to two sources close to the process.

Carlyle and Assala declined to comment. Citi declined to comment.

Carlyle was one of several private equity funds that acquired oil and gas assets around the world in the 2010s from companies such as Shell, BP Plc and Exxon Mobil Corp. that were looking to shed aging oilfields and refineries.

Soaring oil and gas prices over the past year offer a favorable backdrop for energy companies to sell assets, although the long-term outlook for fossil fuel prices remains uncertain as economies shift to low-carbon energy.

Carlyle’s other investments include North Sea-focused Neptune Energy and European refiner Varo Energy.

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