Venoco Announces Receipt of "Going Private" Proposal From CEO at $12.50/Share

Venoco VQ announced that its board of directors has received a non-binding proposal from Timothy M. Marquez, Chairman and CEO of the company and the holder of approximately 50.3% of Venoco's outstanding common stock, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Venoco common stock for $12.50 per share in cash. A copy of the text of the proposal letter to the Venoco board of directors is set forth below. In response, Venoco's board is in the process of forming a special committee of independent directors to consider the proposal, which will be comprised of all of the directors of the company other than Mr. Marquez. The committee will retain independent financial advisors and legal counsel to assist it in its work. The board of directors cautions Venoco shareholders and others considering trading in its securities that it has only received the proposal and that no decision has been made with respect to the company's response to the proposal. There can be no assurance that any definitive offer will be made, that any agreement will be executed or that this or any other transactions will be approved or consummated.