HAMILTON, BERMUDA--(Marketwire - Jul 3, 2012) - Seadrill announces that its wholly owned subsidiary Seadrill Partners LLC (the MLP) today has confidentially submitted its first draft registration statement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The initial public offering of the MLP's common units is expected to commence after the SEC completes its review process. Upon completion of the offering, the MLP is expected to have an interest in two semi-submersible drilling rigs, one drillship and one semi-tender rig from Seadrill Limited's rig fleet.

This announcement is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Rule 135 under the Securities Act of 1933. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Seadrill Limited via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1623694]