Shell Sells GOM Asset

Sale of 50% interest in Gulf of Mexico Holstein Field, including Green Canyon Blocks 644, 645 and 688.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDS-A) has agreed to sell its 50% interest in the Gulf of Mexico Holstein Field to Plains Exploration & Production (PXP) for about $560 million.

Shell received an unsolicited offer from PXP for Shell's working interest. The transaction is effective October 1, 2012 and is expected to close by year-end 2012.

Holstein is a mature deepwater asset and the sale is consistent with Shell's continuing practice of reviewing our existing portfolio and evaluating new opportunities. The Holstein Field includes Green Canyon Blocks 644, 645 and 688.

The Holstein Unit is centered on a spar platform anchored in 1350 meters (4400 feet) water depth and first produced in December 2004. Shell's 50% interest represents about two percent of the company's overall Gulf of Mexico net production and had a 30-day net average production of 7.4 kboe/d prior to Hurricane Isaac.

Shell retains a major Gulf of Mexico presence and is a leading deepwater producer. The company recently noted three successful appraisal wells at the Appomattox and Vito fields, which are expected to begin producing in the second half of the decade.

Shell holds 50% interest in Holstein. BP Plc, the operator, holds the remaining 50%.