“This agreement should give both companies the flexibility to pursue the growth opportunities in the respective businesses and achieve goals in the near-term. As a result of this transaction, Verenium will have the resources to grow our commercial enzyme business while maintaining strategic access to the emerging cellulosic ethanol market in a manner that better fits our resources,” added Riva.

“This acquisition demonstrates BP’s intent to be a leader in the cellulosic biofuels industry in the U.S. and positions us as one of the few global companies with an integrated end-to-end capability, from R&D through commercialization to distribution and blending,” said Philip New, CEO of BP Biofuels. “Our partnership with Verenium has been very fruitful, enabling the companies to develop a leading cellulosic ethanol technology package, driven forward by the skills and expertise of people from both companies. By acquiring Verenium’s cellulosic biofuels technologies, BP Biofuels should be well placed to accelerate the delivery of low cost, low carbon, sustainable biofuels, at scale.”

• Jennings, LA facilities, including the pilot plant and the demonstration-scale facility as well as the San Diego, CA R&D facilities;
• Cellulosic biofuels technology and related IP; and
• Cellulosic enzyme technology and related IP.

In addition, BP would retain scientists and technologists needed to continue the biofuels development program.

Verenium will retain / receive the following:

• The core commercial enzyme business, including the personnel and supporting technology required to develop the business, including for applications in the biofuels segment;
• $98.3 million payment from BP;
• $10.8 million in cash (currently restricted) to be released upon assignment of its lease for the San Diego facility to BP;
• The ability to access select biofuels products developed by BP using the technology it is acquiring from Verenium; and
• The ability to transition out of the San Diego, CA facility over the next two years.

UBS Investment Bank acted as financial advisor to Verenium in connection with the transaction. DLA Piper LLP (US) served as legal advisor to BP. Cooley LLP served as legal advisor to Verenium.

Conference call

Verenium will host a conference call with live webcast at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The call may be accessed by dialling 877.755.7422 (domestic) or 678.894.3067 (international) five minutes prior to start time and providing the passcode 86288697. A link to the live webcast may be accessed by visiting Verenium’s website at www.verenium.com. A replay of the call will be archived on Verenium’s websites for 30 days.

About Verenium

Verenium Corporation is a pioneer in the development and commercialization of high-performance enzymes for use in industrial processes. Verenium currently sells enzymes developed using its R&D capabilities to industrial customers globally for use in markets including biofuels, animal health and oil seed processing. Verenium has built a world-class R&D organization renowned for its capabilities in the rapid screening, identification, and bioengineering of novel enzymes that act as catalysts for biochemical reactions. The company harnesses the power of nature and uses its unique, patented technology to create products that transform industries by maximizing efficiency while improving environmental performance. For more information on Verenium, visit www.verenium.com.

About BP

BP is of one of the world’s largest energy companies, providing its customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services and petrochemicals products for everyday items.

Since 2006, BP has announced investments of more than $1.5 billion in biofuels research, development and operations, and has announced investments in production facilities in Europe, Brazil and the US. This includes partnerships with other companies to develop the technologies, feedstocks and processes required to produce advanced biofuels, and $500 million over 10 years in the Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI), at which biotechnologists are investigating applications of biotechnology to energy.

Forward-looking statements for Verenium

Contacts:

Kelly Lindenboom
Vice President, Corporate Communications
617-674-5335