Ann: GENERAL: CEN: Origin Energy Limited sale of Contact completed

• Release Date: 05/08/15 09:33
• Summary: GENERAL: CEN: Origin Energy Limited sale of Contact completed
• Price Sensitive: No
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					CEN
05/08/2015 09:33
GENERAL
NOT PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0933 HRS Contact Energy Limited

GENERAL: CEN: Origin Energy Limited sale of Contact completed

MEDIA RELEASE

NOT FOR RELEASE OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES

For immediate release

5 August 2015

Origin Energy Limited sale of Contact completed

Origin Energy Limited (Origin) has informed Contact Energy Limited (Contact)
that it has successfully completed the bookbuild process for the sale of
Origin Group's shareholding in Contact at a price of $4.65 per share. The
trading halt placed on Contact's shares (ticker code "CEN") on 4 August 2015
has now been lifted.

To summarise a number of announcements made over the past two days:
o Contact has commenced the process of finding suitable replacements for
departing directors Grant King, Karen Moses and David Baldwin and will
provide an update in due course.
o Phil Pryke has taken on the position of interim Chair supported by
remaining board members Bruce Beeren, Sue Sheldon and Whaimutu Dewes.
o Dennis Barnes' secondment has been extended to allow time for Dennis to be
appointed as a permanent employee of Contact in the role of Chief Executive
Officer.
o Contact has entered in to a Transitional Relationship Arrangement with
Origin that ensures the current operations of both companies are not
adversely impacted by the change of control and details a timetable for the
separation of shared arrangements.
o Contact has commenced the process of listing on the ASX which is expected
to be completed within four to six weeks.

"This is an exciting milestone in Contact's history. We now enter a period
where we will work closely as a Board and Management team to ensure a smooth
transition. I remain strongly of the opinion that the capital investments we
have made in recent years position Contact well for the New Zealand market
and I am excited to lead the business in capitalising on this position with
an expected improvement in earnings in financial year 2016. Our focus remains
unchanged regarding the safe operation of our business, providing customers
with the quality of service and products they expect and creating long-term
value for our shareholders", said Contact Chief Executive Officer Dennis
Barnes.

ENDS

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation
of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. Contact's Ordinary
Shares have not been, nor will be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (Securities Act) or the securities laws of any state or
other jurisdiction of the United States.  Contact's Ordinary Shares may not
be offered or sold in the United States, unless they have been registered
under the Securities Act, or are offered and sold in a transaction exempt
from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act
and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

This announcement may not be sent or distributed to persons in the United
States.

Investor enquiries: Fraser Gardiner 021 228 3688

Media enquiries: Nicholas Robinson 027 705 3831
End CA:00267943 For:CEN    Type:GENERAL    Time:2015-08-05 09:33:34