Total S.A., Borealis AG and NOVA Chemicals Corp. recently announced they have signed definitive agreements to form a joint venture in petrochemicals on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The joint venture, in which Total will own 50% and Novealis Holdings LLC, a joint venture between Borealis and NOVA Chemicals, will own the remaining 50%, will commence subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.

The joint venture will include:

• The under-construction 1 Mt/y ethane steam cracker in Port Arthur, Texas;
• Total's existing polyethylene 400 kt/y facility in Bayport, Texas; and
• A new 625 kt/y Borstar ® polyethylene unit at Total's Bayport, Texas, site, following a decision on the outcome of an acceptable EPC contract.

"This agreement is a key milestone for this integrated petrochemicals project. This joint venture is aligned with Total's strategy to strengthen our position by taking advantage of low-cost U.S. gas," said Bernard Pinatel, president, refining and chemicals, Total. "We look forward to working with Borealis and NOVA Chemicals to create world-class facilities and become a major player in the growing U.S. and global market for polyethylene."

"The joint venture with Total and NOVA Chemicals is a key project in advancing our global growth,” said Borealis CEO Mark Garrett. “Not only are we convinced of the excellent cost-economics of this integrated brownfield investment project, but we are also excited to bring our unique product grades based on our Borstar technology to the North American market."

"A key component of NOVA Chemicals' growth strategy is to expand beyond our traditionally Canadian footprint by extending our presence in the U.S. Gulf Coast," said NOVA Chemicals CEO Todd Karran. "Partnering with Total and Borealis will allow us to better serve our customers throughout the Americas by delivering a broader slate of products that help make everyday life healthier, easier and safer."

For more information, visit www.total.com, www.novachem.com or www.borealisgroup.com.