Zak Mir talks to Andrea Cattaneo, CEO of Zenith Energy, as he discusses prospects for the company’s prospects for an arbitration win with Tunisia in the wake of the latest successful fundraising.

In an engaging discussion, Andrea Cattaneo, the CEO of Zenith Energy, shares insights on the company’s recent successes, ongoing arbitration processes, and future strategies. This blog post explores the key points from this conversation, highlighting the company’s remarkable journey and the exciting prospects ahead.

Recent Performance and Share Price Surge

Zenith Energy has experienced a notable uptick in its share price over the past few months, surging from near a penny to almost 12 pence at its peak—an impressive tenfold increase. This surge is largely attributed to the market’s positive reception of the company’s potential to win its arbitration case in Tunisia, coupled with a successful fundraising effort.

Understanding the Arbitration Landscape

One of the unique aspects of Zenith Energy’s situation is the presence of three arbitration cases. Cattaneo explains that most companies typically deal with a single arbitration, which can be a binary bet. However, having multiple cases provides a broader range of options and a greater sense of security. The first arbitration has already been won, with penalties and interest to be reimbursed at a high interest rate, setting a promising precedent for the subsequent cases.

Winning the First Arbitration

The first arbitration victory is a significant milestone for Zenith Energy. The company initiated the case for $6.7 million, which eventually expanded to a total of $9.7 million after accounting for damages and costs associated with the arbitration process. This increase of 45% over the original claim demonstrates the complexities and potential financial rewards involved.

Expectations for Upcoming Arbitrations

Looking ahead, the stakes are even higher with the second arbitration, where claims amount to $130 million. The company is optimistic about the outcome, believing that the same illegalities will be punished similarly across different courts. This sets the stage for potentially transformative financial results for Zenith Energy, should all three arbitrations yield positive outcomes.

Market Confidence and Financial Strategy

The market has reacted positively to these developments, with Zenith’s market cap increasing from approximately £2-3 million to around £23-24 million. This reflects investor confidence in the company’s prospects and the anticipation of further arbitration wins. To support these efforts, Zenith Energy recently raised just under £3 million, primarily earmarked for legal costs associated with the arbitration process.

Utilising Funds Wisely

While the primary focus of the raised funds is on arbitration, Cattaneo indicates that the company may also explore opportunities for acquisitions in the oil and gas sector. The strategy remains cautious, ensuring that the funds are used judiciously and primarily directed towards winning the ongoing legal battles.

Future Directions: Beyond Arbitration

Once the arbitration cases are settled, Cattaneo envisions a strategic shift for Zenith Energy. He expresses a desire to evolve the company into a mid-tier oil and gas or energy production entity. This transformation is not merely about winning cases; it’s about leveraging the company’s assets and capabilities in a competitive market.

Diverse Energy Focus

Zenith Energy’s future plans encompass a variety of energy sources, including a potential pivot towards uranium. Cattaneo highlights the emerging interest in smaller nuclear power projects, which could address public concerns while providing a clean energy alternative. Alongside this, the company continues to focus on electricity production in Italy and the UK, primarily through natural gas and photovoltaic projects.

Steve Larrett Talks to LSE Share Talk 07/04/2016

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