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The transaction remains subject to approval from Russia's Federal Anti-monopoly Service.

TNK-BP's OFS business currently provides drilling, sidetracking, well intervention and workover, cementation and required support services in Russia. It comprises six operating companies owning and operating more than 75 drilling rigs, 180 workover units, 150 cementation and pumping units and over ten operating bases in critical reservoir plays including two central bases in Western Siberia and the Volga-Urals region. OFS revenues exceeded $650 million in 2008.

OFS benefits from TNK-BP's considerable investment in productivity over the last five years, upgrading rigs and infrastructure, extensively training personnel, and developing business systems and processes. Weatherford's long term commitment and the combined company's local management and staff will accelerate the introduction of new technology and ensure continued productivity growth of oilfield services in Russia.

TNK-BP and Weatherford expect to benefit from a preferred customer/supplier relationship in which Weatherford provides drilling, well intervention and workover services, cementation and other advanced oil field technology. The deal will enhance the productivity of existing drilling and workover services available to TNK-BP's exploration and production teams.

"This transaction with Weatherford allows us to drive further efficiency into our business in today's testing economic climate, and will give us access to the world's most technologically advanced rigs, drilling and work-over equipment and services. It will also secure jobs and boost investment in Russia's services sector generally," said Tim Summers, Chief Executive Officer of TNK-BP.

Bernard J. Duroc-Danner, Chief Executive Officer of Weatherford, commented "This investment in Russia's oil industry and its future growth strengthens Weatherford's position in one of the most important global oilfield service markets. The acquisition of quality infrastructure and highly trained staff provides a conveyance capability that complements Weatherford's existing product technology and service capability in Russia.