Chesapeake Energy Corporation Commences Tender Offer to Acquire Bronco Drilling Company for $11.00-Share (CHK, BRNC)

Chesapeake Energy Corporation

announced today that it, through a new wholly owned subsidiary, Nomac Acquisition, Inc., is commencing a cash tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of common stock of Bronco Drilling Company, Inc.

. On April 15, 2011, the companies previously announced a definitive agreement whereby Chesapeake would acquire Bronco in a cash tender offer and subsequent merger for approximately $315 million, including debt, net working capital and outstanding warrants.