2011-06-20-2011-05-02-2011-06-02

Acquired 70% of Monroe Gas Storage Co. LLC, which operates 12 Bcf gas storage facility in northeastern MS.

High Sierra Energy LP, Denver, has completed the sale of its 70% owned subsidiary, Monroe Gas Storage Co. LLC, which operates a FERC-regulated 12 Bcf natural gas storage facility in northeastern Mississippi, to Houston-based Cardinal Gas Storage Partners LLC for approximately $148 million.

High Sierra and its minority partners acquired the depleted reservoir in 2006 and subsequently developed the Monroe facility to serve the expanding energy needs of Mississippi and other areas of the Southeast, Midcontinent, and northeastern U.S. In exiting the natural gas storage business, High Sierra plans to direct proceeds from the strategic divestiture to its core businesses, which include crude oil logistics, oilfield water treatment and recycling services, and natural gas liquids logistics.

"Natural gas storage services are no longer a key component of our strategic business model," says James Burke, High Sierra chief executive. "The divestiture of Monroe Gas Storage presents an opportunity for High Sierra to focus our capital and our efforts on core areas of growth for the partnership."

Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Securities Inc., served as financial adviser to Monroe on the transaction.