Mediterranean O&G has entered into a short term secured loan with affiliates of certain of its substantial shareholders, namely affiliated investment funds of Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, for up to €3.5million.

The proceeds of the Loan will assist the company in funding the payment of fees to a specialist seismic contractor which will undertake the acquisition of 1,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic exploration data on behalf of the company, in relation to its license commitment at Area 4 Offshore Malta, under the Malta Production Sharing Contract signed with the Maltese Government on July 18, 2008 and its Addendum signed on May 17, 2011.

The company is currently in negotiations with a seismic contractor and expects shortly to enter into a contract to begin seismic acquisition activity.

Sergio Morandi, chief operating officer of Mediterranean Oil and Gas, commented, "We are extremely pleased to have arranged the necessary funding for undertaking 3D seismic exploration activity at Malta Offshore Area 4, and look forward to obtaining the results towards the end of 1Q, 2012.

"Given the farm out of a part interest in the License did not complete earlier in the year due to factors beyond the company's control, and the company's obligation to acquire 1,000 sq km of 3D seismic data prior to January 18, 2012, entry into the Loan with Och Ziff enables the company to retain its 90% interest in the License, while meeting its License commitments. This also preserves the company's flexibility to consider further options once the seismic acquisition program and associated data analysis has been completed.

"Malta Offshore Area 4 has some very large structures and the 3D seismic acquisition will, subject to receipt of positive results, enable us to devise a drilling campaign. We are also delighted by the significant support and commitment shown to us by Och Ziff."

The initial term of the Loan is eight months and the interest rate payable is 12% per annum. The loan may be extended for a further 4 months at a rate of 14% per annum, at the option of the company. The Loan is secured by a pledge over the entire issued share capital of Medoilgas Italia SpA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.