BOISE, IDAHO--(Marketwired - Dec 16, 2014) - U.S. Geothermal Inc. (TSX:GTH)(NYSE MKT:HTM) (the "Company"), a leading renewable energy company focused on the development, production and sale of electricity from geothermal energy, announced today that it successfully completed the previously announced acquisition of Earth Power Resources ("EPR") on December 12, 2014. Under the terms of the Agreement, EPR was merged with and into U.S. Geothermal. A total of six hundred ninety-two thousand seven hundred sixty-nine (692,769) shares of U.S. Geothermal stock were issued in exchange for all outstanding shares of EPR stock. In addition to the shares issued, $42,934 in cash was also provided at close to allow EPR to pay outstanding obligations. The transaction was unanimously approved by EPR Shareholders.
The assets acquired from EPR include geothermal leases covering 26,017 acres in Nevada, representing three projects that have an energy potential estimated in the range of 158 to 359 megawatts. Also included is EPR's complete geothermal resource database of new project opportunities located throughout the western United States, which EPR had compiled over its nearly 40 years of geothermal exploration experience.
Under the terms of the agreement, fifty percent (50%) of the new stock issued for the acquisition will be held in reserve by the Company for 6 months to cover any potential undisclosed claims against EPR. The non-reserved 50% of new stock will be delivered to the EPR shareholders upon surrender of their EPR share certificates, but trading of the new USG shares is restricted under SEC Rule 144 for a period of 6 months.
"We are very pleased to have added the Earth Power project portfolio to our development pipeline and look forward to advancing the development of these excellent opportunities," said Dennis Gilles, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Geothermal Inc. "We are also pleased to continue our growth through a combination of the development of internal projects and growth through strategic acquisition - this acquisition continues the execution of that plan."
Additional details regarding the acquisition can be found in the October 16, 2014 press release initially announcing the acquisition, under the tab 'NEWS' at our website:
http://www.usgeothermal.com/News.aspx
About U.S. Geothermal Inc.:
U.S. Geothermal Inc. is a leading renewable energy company focused on the development, production and sale of electricity from geothermal energy and is operating geothermal power projects at Neal Hot Springs, Oregon, San Emidio, Nevada and Raft River, Idaho. The company is currently developing a project at the Geysers, California, a second phase project at San Emidio Nevada, as well as El Ceibillo, an advanced stage, geothermal prospect located within a 24,710 acre (100sq km) energy rights concession area located 8.5 miles (14 km) from Guatemala City, the largest city in Central America.
The information provided in this news release may contain forward-looking statements within the definition of the Safe Harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned to review the risk factors identified by the company in its filings with US and Canadian securities agencies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of U.S. Geothermal, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties; interpretation of the results of well tests; project development; resource megawatt capacity; capital expenditures; timelines; strategic plans; or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from U.S. Geothermal's expectations include the uncertainties involving the availability of financing in the debt and capital markets; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of results of well tests; the need for cooperation of government agencies in the development and operation of properties; the need to obtain permits and governmental approvals; risks of construction; unexpected cost increases, which could include significant increases in estimated capital and operating costs; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in U.S. Geothermal's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities and in other U.S. Geothermal reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, beliefs and opinions on the date the statements are made. U.S. Geothermal Inc. assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if management's expectations, beliefs, or opinions, or other factors, should change.
The NYSE MKT and the TSX do not accept responsibility for the adequacy of this release.