The investment arm of Israeli gas firm Delek Group has acquired an almost 20% stake in Ithaca Energy for $66million.
The deal underlines investors still see value in North Sea related businesses, despite a slump in oil prices and high operating costs in the region.
Ithaca Energy has sold its Norwegian exploration business for $60million.
MOL Plc bought Ithaca Petroleum Norge for an initial $60million price tag. However, depending on how successful the discoveries drilled on Ithaca Norge's existing licence portfolio between 2015 and 2017 are, MOL could pay future “bonus payments” of up to $30million to Ithaca.
Independent oil and gas explorer Ithaca Energy saw its share price plummet 11% on Friday after its development partner said delay in delivering a production vessel would hit its key North Sea field.