2011-06-17-2011-05-31

To acquire a 25% WI in 5,649-square-kilometer Block BC in Qatar.

Total SA, Paris, (Paris: FP; NYSE: TOT) plans to acquire a 25% interest in Qatar's Block BC (pre-Khuff) exploration license from CNOOC Middle East (Qatar) Ltd., a subsidiary of CNOOC International Ltd., Hong Kong, (NYSE: CEO) for an undisclosed price.

The offshore block covers 5,649 square kilometers. The Block BC exploration and production sharing agreement CNOOC entered with the Qatar government requires 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys will be conducted and that at least three exploration wells will be drilled by 2014. CNOOC Middle East (Qatar) will continue to be the operator with a 75% interest.

Total chairman and chief executive Christophe de Margerie says, "The farm-in transaction is another step forward in the partnerships forged with Qatar Petroleum and CNOOC, and reflects Total's commitment to expanding its exploration and production operations in promising geological basins."

CNOOC country manager to Qatar Xiang Hua says, "Block BC is as one of its most important projects with QP, in addition to other cooperation. We also welcome Total to join CNOOC in exploring Block BC in Pre-Khuff formation. We believe the partnership is combining strengths from both and will eventually lead to win-win operation towards commercial discovery."

Total previously entered a joint deal with CNOOC in March to acquire a one-third interest from Irish firm Tullow Oil Plc in exploration areas (EA) 1, 2 and 3A in Uganda. Each company will pay approximately US$1.5 billion for the interests for a total deal value of around US$3 billion.