QEP Resources Inc. has entered into a cooperation agreement with affiliates of Elliott Management Corp., which is comprised of a 'refreshment' of the QEP Board as well as the creation of a new Operations Committee.

Funds affiliated with Elliott beneficially own approximately 4.9% of the Company's common stock. Pursuant to the cooperation agreement, Elliott has agreed to customary standstill, voting, and other provisions.

In late May 2019, a few companies (both E&Ps and private equity firms) were vying for a potential takeover of QEP - however there were no further developments beyond the original report.

Board Enhancement

QEP and Elliott will work together to identify board nominees and to agree upon two new independent directors to be appointed to QEP's Board. The two new directors are expected to have strong operating backgrounds in unconventional development and are expected to be seated no later than October of this year.

Operations Committee

Additionally, QEP will create a new five-person Operations Committee of the Board. The Operations Committee will be chaired by QEP's Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cutt, and will include two of the current independent directors and, upon their appointment to the QEP board, the two new independent directors. The Operations Committee will work with QEP's management team to identify best practices in the areas of the Company's operations and focus on continuous operational improvement and excellence with the objective to achieve leading levels of capital efficiency.

QEP CEO Tim Cutt commented: "In the last year, QEP has made strides in streamlining our business, reducing costs, strengthening our balance sheet, and selling non-core assets. Our Board and management team welcome the constructive perspectives of our shareholders and are committed to maximizing shareholder value. Through the formation of this new committee, we will continue building on the progress we have already made, and I look forward to the contributions of our new directors and the new committee as we take further steps to improve performance and build shareholder value."

Elliott senior portfolio manager John Pike added: "I want to thank Tim and the rest of the Board of Directors for the collaborative, constructive approach they have taken in reaching today's agreement. Despite only being in the position for seven months, Tim has led QEP toward significant improvements in its cost structure and operating efficiency. We are confident that the new additions to QEP's Board and the newly formed Operations Committee will lead to significant value creation for all QEP stakeholders, and we are looking forward to remaining engaged shareholders."

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